U.S. Downplays Lebanon's Boycott of Washington Conference
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
A U.S. diplomat underestimated Lebanon's decision to boycott a conference expected to be held in Washington after Beirut claimed that it cannot take part in a meeting to confront terrorism with the Jewish state's participation.
“Cooperation between the Lebanese and U.S. security agencies is ongoing,” the diplomatic source said in comments published in al-Liwaa newspaper on Wednesday.
Washington, according to the daily, informed Lebanon its regret that Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil will not take part in the conference.
However, the diplomat pointed out that Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq will head to Washington in March upon a formal invitation.
Media reports said that Washington received an official apology from Lebanon on its participation in the “White House conference on efforts to counter violent extremism,” as Beirut argued it cannot be a “partner with Israel in confronting terrorism.”
More than 60 countries, including 14 Arab nations and Israel, are expected to take part in the summit slated on February 18 at the White House and presided by U.S. President Barack Obama.
The White House planned the conference in light of the recent shootings in France and earlier attacks in Canada and Australia.
The meetings are expected to continue the next day where the foreign ministers will meet at the headquarters of the U.S. State Department, headed by Secretary of State John Kerry. The third day is devoted to meetings of experts and specialized committees in Washington.
Bassil has apologized for the participation in the conference after consultations with Prime Minister Tammam Salam.
The Islamic State controls several areas in Syria and Iraq and aims to spread to Lebanon as its fighters position in the outskirts of Bekaa towns bordering Syria and the Lebanese army is in adamant efforts to stop their efforts to infiltrate the country.
H.K.
G.K.
18 February 2015, 08:08
23
To boycott or not to boycott.
Not long ago he was marching in paris with the israeli prime minister.
Maybe it is time to stop the double standards and know what we want.
Only when miss Lebanon take a picture with miss israel, it is high treason. But marching alongside the enemy isn't. If it was a personal decision, it should be treated as miss Lebanon's case was!
18 February 2015, 14:02
10
Taking part in a symbolic march in Paris is one thing, allying ourselves with beasts is something else. No to any cooperation with israhell, be it security or otherwise.
18 February 2015, 08:26
24
The truth is Bassil is too short to appear next to world leaders. Hence, the boycott..
18 February 2015, 08:35
22
stupid boycott. We should go and ask the international coalition to bomb nosra isis bases in qalamoun.
18 February 2015, 10:17
21
لبنان لا يمكن أن يكون شريك إسرائيل في مكافحة الإرهاب، لكن لبنان "الرسمي" غارق حتى أذنيه في معاشرة أب وأم الإرهاب ضمن "حكومة" عوراء كسحاء. ولبنان "الرسمي" بما فيه قيادة جيشه غارق حتى أذنيه في التنسيق مع أقدم تنظيم إرهابي عابر للحدود اسمه حزب الله الإيراني.
لبنان "الرسمي" إما مصاب بمرض البلاهة وإما بمتلازمة ستوكهولم التي تصيب الرهينة التي تنتهي في عبادة خاطفها.
18 February 2015, 10:52
21
"including 14 Arab nations and Israel, are expected to take part in the summit"
So Lebanon won't participate, her loss no one elses.
14 other Arab States realising the important of such a summit can take part, even with Israeli participation, unfortunately Lebanon still has its head stuck in the sand, and presumably is not interested in overcoming terrorism. Or perhaps the Foreign Minister is frightened that the word Hizballah will come up when terrorist organisations are discussed.
With or without Lebanon, the terrorism eluding from the Middle East will be discussed.
18 February 2015, 11:22
32
Washington never respects sovereignty, they only understand force. Which resulted in them retreating their troops out of Lebanon in the 80's. Thank God the Resistance managed to kick them out along with Israel.
