Feltman Says Differences with Syria are Profound, Warns against Arms Export to Lebanon
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman said Washington was eager to cooperate with the Hariri Cabinet, but warned that arms export from Iran to Hizbullah "puts Lebanon at great risk."
"The United States is looking forward to cooperating with the new Lebanon government in a spirit of partnership in various fields after it obtains confidence," Feltman said in an interview published Sunday by the daily An-Nahar.
His remarks were translated into English by Naharnet.
Feltman said he congratulated Prime Minister Saad Hariri on his new post and denied accusations by some Lebanese political leaders who charges that the U.S. administration had intervened in the government formation process.
He accused Iran of continuing to export arms to Hizbullah and hoped that the Lebanese government would realize the "risk" of firing of rockets from Lebanon against Israel.
Feltman said delay in the appointment of a new U.S. ambassador to Damascus was due to "political and bureaucratic reasons, including."
While acknowledging that a visit to Washington by Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Miqdad was "positive and constructive," he described the differences between the U.S. and Syria as "profound."