Assad Defends Hizbullah against Egypt”s Allegations, Says Syria Not “Party” in Hariri Tribunal
Syrian President Bashar Assad said Damascus was not a "party" in the U.N. tribunal set up to try the suspects in ex-Premier Rafik Hariri”s assassination and also defended Hizbullah against allegations that the Shiite group planned to carry out multiple attacks in Egypt.
"What is Hizbullah”s aim behind this?" Assad said in remarks published on Tuesday.
"Hizbullah has no reason to do this, and it has denied that," Assad added.
He was referring to Cairo”s accusations that the so-called Hizbullah cell arrested in Egypt plotted attacks against Israeli tourists in Egypt.
"They (Hizbullah) said they have nothing against Egypt or the Egyptians," Assad stressed, adding that neither Hamas nor Hizbullah would attack Israel via Syrian territory.
Regarding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Assad said: "We have no expectations at all."
"It”s a process that must be done professionally," he stressed, adding that he expects "a good ending" to the trial if the issue was dealt with in a professional manner.
Assad said Syria was not a party in the STL.
"There is an agreement between the STL and the Lebanese government. A similar deal should be cut with Syria if there is anything concerning a Syrian — whether he was guilty or innocent, any Syrian without exception," Assad explained.
He said Damascus was willing to cooperate and will do everything possible to uncover the truth behind the Hariri crime.