Junblat: initiative failed to remove Lahoud
Lebanon-Syria-USA, Politics, 3/7/2006

Lebanese Druze opposition leader Walid Junblat said that the coalition anti Syria rejected a middle solution according to which President Emile Lahoud resigns while at the same time permitting Hizbullah to keep its weapons.

Junblat said in Washington where he had met with the US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice that the discussions focused on Lahoud, whose term of office was extended until 2007, and that the opposition lacks two thirds majority to be able to topple him at the parliament, and reached deadlock because of the difference on dismantling the weapons of Hizbullah party.

Yesterday, Acting Spokesman for the US Department Of State, Tom Casey, was asked about the meeting. Casey said the "Secretary met with Lebanese Druze leader Walid Junblat and they discussed general developments in Lebanon. Part of the purpose of this meeting was to ensure Mr. Junblat of ongoing US support for the path of democracy and reform that's been annunciated by the Lebanese Government.

"And the Secretary, of course, also did underscore the importance of Syrian compliance with UN Security Council resolutions. And as she noted, the Lebanese people have accomplished much over the past year. They've compelled Syrian troops to withdraw from Lebanon and they've held free and fair parliamentary elections. But there certainly is a number of issues that need to be taken up, and that includes free and fair presidential elections as called for in Security Council Resolution 1559.

"The Secretary also did discuss the ways in which the United States and the international community more broadly can support Lebanon and their people as they go about this process."

Asked about US help to the Lebanese military, Casey said "Obviously, I think we'll look at whatever ways we can to provide appropriate kinds of support to the Government of Lebanon."

Asked that "One key thing on Junblat's mind and on many people's minds in Lebanon is the issue of Lahoud and whether he should stay in office or not. There are discussions going on that basically said we want to get rid of him but the talks are deadlocked and we need more US support for that. Is that something that you can work with?" Casey said "I think I'd just refer you back to what the Secretary said while she was in Lebanon. Obviously these are issues for the Lebanese people to decide. As I noted, Security Council Resolution 1559 does include a call for presidential -- free and fair presidential elections as well, and obviously we will be looking to try and see what we can do to help that process forward."

Asked about statements by Junblat that "(Junblat) said we're not going after Hizbullah. Is that also something for the Lebanese people to decide or does the US have a view about whether Lebanon, the Lebanese Government, should do something about Hizbullah, which you consider a terrorist organization?"

Casey said "We certainly do consider it a terrorist organization and 1559, as you know, calls for the disbanding of all militias in Lebanon. That certainly applies to Hizbullah. Again, the Secretary spoke to this question while she was there and I think she made our views pretty clear on it."

Previous Stories:
  Wakim rejects foreign mandate for Lebanon   (3/6/2006)
  Amal Movement underlines distinguished ties with Syria   (3/6/2006)
  Daily Star: Shabaa Farms take center stage in Lebanese dialogue   (3/4/2006)
  Lebanese dialogue conference held in positive atmospheres   (3/4/2006)
  Lebanese national dialogue enters decisive phase   (3/4/2006)
  Lahoud accuses opponents of serving foreign forces   (2/28/2006)
  Nasrullah defies the US   (2/25/2006)
  Rice says UN must push Syria on Hariri inquiry   (2/17/2006)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search