Saniora to Assad: Government Alone Can Monopolize Right to Negotiation
Prime Minister Fouad Saniora hit back at Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for considering including Hizbullah in a peace process with Israel.
"The Lebanese government alone can monopolize the right to negotiations (with Israel)," said Saniora. "And no one can strip us of this right."
Saniora”s remarks came during Thursday night”s Cabinet meeting.
In a recent interview, Assad emphasized the importance of including major parties in a peace process with Israel, adding that he would work to bring Hamas and Hizbullah to the table.
"I will work to involve Hizbullah and Hamas in the negotiations to achieve peace in the region," Assad told Japan”s Asahi Shimbun in an interview published Wednesday.
The daily As Safir on Friday said Assad”s statement was discussed during Cabinet”s meeting.
It quoted Finance Minister Mohammed Shatah as requesting inquiry into the issue.