Saniora Praises Syrian-Lebanese Diplomatic Ties, Denounces “Vetoing Third”
Prime Minister Fouad Saniora said that the diplomatic exchanges between Syria and Lebanon were "very significant" but stressed that Syria must regard Lebanon as an "independent" country.
In an interview with Asharq al-Awsat newspaper published on Monday, Saniora called for reconciliation between Syria and Lebanon on the Saudi-Syrian model and praised the recent steps toward establishing diplomatic ties as "very significant" but cautioned that further steps remain.
He indicated that both countries benefit from these diplomatic exchanges but insisted that "Syria must… work with [Lebanon] and respect it as an independent country."
Regarding the upcoming elections, Saniora stressed that "all sides have an interest in holding the elections… with calm, without problems."
He continued that the "240 hours" until nominations must be finalized is a long period of time.
"I am a democratic man to the bone," Saniora said in response to opposition campaign strategies, indicating his support for an open democratic system.
After the elections, regardless of the outcome, the prime minister said he would welcome a national unity government but was adamant that the government "should abandon the idea of the “vetoing third,” as it is a failed idea."
Ahead of the Arab summit in Doha, Saniora told Asharq al-Awsat that the meeting would be "a good first step" for Arab rapprochement." He went on to say that "the Arab situation faces conflicts of view [but] is an opportunity… to depart from conflicts and disputes."
The prime minister said that Lebanon was "the state that benefits most when Arab cooperation prevails."
The Arab summit meeting begins on Monday.