Sinioura will not take part in UN summit, if Lahoud does

The Lebanese prime minister Foaud Sinioura announced he will not take part in the works of the UN General Assembly summit which will be launched next week if the President Emil Lahoud persists to attend it.

In press statements, Sinioura said "it is better that Lahoud not preside over the Lebanese delegation to the UN, after doubts about the foundation of the Lebanese security system became suspected in the assassination of Hariri" and where security officials were held in custody for investigation.

Sinioura considered that it is better for President Lahoud and for the position of presidency in Lebanon that the president not to head for New York in this phase. He called on Lahoud to "think fully so as his participation at the UN summit will not affect Lebanon's position, nor the presidential post itself."

On the other hand, sources close to Lahoud said that he is "insistent to ensure Lebanon's attendance in these areas."