Egyptian mediation in Syria, Lebanon relations
Egypt-Lebanon, Politics, 1/27/2006

Egyptian mediation continues to help resolve problems between Syria and Lebanon. In this regard, the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met with the Lebanese prime minister Fouad Siniora on Thursday.

The director of the Egyptian general intelligence Omar Suleiman is expected to visit Lebanon after Syria in order to complete the mediation efforts between the two neighboring states.

Siniora told reporters after his meeting with Suleiman that it was necessary that Syria cooperate with the UN investigation into the killing of Rafiq al-Hariri and consequent assassinations and that the Syrians must deal with Lebanon as a sovereign country.

Siniora said the Hizbullah played a major role in liberating the Lebanese soil and that it represents a large part of the Lebanese society. The government and Hizbullah have efforts to keep their arms as they relate to resistance.

Siniora said the Palestinians were dear guests to Lebanon until their problem is solved, and they need to abide by the Lebanese laws.

Siniora said in conclusion of his talks with Mubarak that his country is looking forward that the efforts to improve Lebanese- Syrian relations will result in "consolidating (Lebanon's) independence, freedom and Arab identity."

After his meeting with Mubarak, Siniora met with the Egyptian foreign minister Ahmad Abu al-Gheit and Omar Suleiman who is assigned by the Egyptian president to the efforts of solving pending problems among the Arab states, as well as between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Siniora considered that the Egyptian and Saudi efforts are very important to ease the tensions, noting that his government seeks to reduce the pace of friction from statements in the mass media. He added that these statements "frequently obstruct the efforts made to solve the crisis despite the fact that the Lebanese media is a free media and we can not shut the mouth of every one, though we proceed in ease tension."

Siniora's visit to Cairo is the second within two weeks. On January 12 Siniora discussed with Mubarak the regional efforts made to end the crisis in the Lebanese - Syrian relations flared up by the murder of Rafiq al-Hariri.

Previous Stories:
  Siniora meets Mubarak, calls Syria to support Lebanon's stability   (1/13/2006)
  Egypt efforts regarding Lebanese-Syrian crisis   (1/6/2006)
  Mubarak telephones Siniora   (12/27/2005)

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