The Majority-Minority Mentality Obstructs Lebanon”s Cabinet lineup; "Deeply Rooted" Syrian-Saudi relations and Moqdad”s U.S. Visit to Re-Establish Bilateral Relations
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem confirmed that the "Lebanese file" will not be discussed during his deputy”s visit to Washington and clarified that the Syrian letter to U.N. General Secretary raised the issue of Mellis "politicizing" the investigation in PM Rafic Hariri”s murder.
In an interview to Arabia TV, Muallem said that the "U.N. General Secretary did not tackle the issue yet," and went on explaining " Ban Ki-moon considers that the investigator is independent in handling his enquiry while we seem the investigator a UN employee at the service of the General Secretary."
The Syrian Foreign Minister clarified that Syria in its letter "has just questioned whether the investigation had taken a politicized turn during Mellis handling of the task."
Regarding his deputy Faisal Moqdad “s visit to the States, Muallem said that it is "upon an American invitation" as it aims at "re-establishing the American- Syrian relation following a rupture that lasted eight years."
Foreign Minister Muallem ruled out discussing the Syrian-Lebanese relations with the American during Moqdad”s visit to Washington and reiterated that the problem behind the formation of the Lebanese cabinet is related to "the discerning mentality between the majority and minority."
Muallem described the bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia as being " deeply rooted and strong since President Hafez Assad presidency," while the Syrian-Iraqi relations " did not succeed yet despite the Turkish intervention."
On this same topic, he underscored that "mentioning Syria in the U.N. General Secretary”s report in relation to the latest developments in Iraq without consulting us is not acceptable," and went on saying " especially that Iraq did not present any proof criminalizing any Iraqi resident in Syria of being involved in the explosions."
In the context of the Syrian position vis-à-vis the Palestinians factions, "at equal distance from all", Muallem said and ruling out " exercising any pressure on anybody, " he added " the time is matured for a Palestinian reconciliation."
Finally, the Syrian Foreign Minister confirmed that the indirect negotiations with Israel are "at halt" as Syria is aiming at "talks that lead to results.