Feltman Summons Syrian Ambassador over Lebanese Cabinet Obstacles
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman has reportedly summoned Syrian ambassador Imad Mustafa to the State Department over obstacles put by Damascus to Lebanese cabinet formation.
An Nahar daily said Monday Feltman told Mustafa two weeks ago that Washington will not send any high ranking official to Damascus as long as Syria keeps hindering the government formation process.
In a clear proof to Feltman”s threat, Middle East envoy George Mitchell made a short visit to Beirut during his Mideast tour earlier this month without traveling to Syria.
An Nahar”s report came as Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Meqdad will meet with Feltman and his aides on Monday. According to the newspaper, the visit comes as part of bilateral contacts that started last March between the two sides.
The Obama administration still believes that dialogue with Syria could change its behavior in Lebanon, Iraq or Palestine, the daily said.
U.S. officials are reportedly irritated by Meqdad”s latest remarks, particularly his claim that President Barack Obama is mulling to visit Damascus.