Miqati Urges Renewal of National Dialogue to Dissociate Lebanon from Regional Turmoil

Prime Minister Najib Miqati urged on Tuesday the Lebanese officials to resume the national dialogue which he said would be the main guideline for Lebanon to disassociate itself from the turmoil in the region.

“It’s a start for Lebanon to set the principles that highlight its neutrality in order to avoid any negative repercussions,” Miqati said in an interview with al-Joumhouria newspaper.

He stressed that Lebanon’s situation is unique regarding the crisis in Syria as many elements control its decision such as the geographic, historical social and economic relations and the protocols and agreements signed between the two countries which “can’t be ignored.”

“Another important issue that should be taken into consideration is the relations with the Arab countries… We can’t risk our excellent relations with them especially since many Lebanese expats live in those countries…,” Miqati stated.

He denied reports saying that foreign countries asked him to establish a buffer zone in northern Lebanon to receive Syrian refugees fleeing from the crisis in their country.

“No one demanded anything from me, and in case anyone did my answer would remain the same… You should understand Lebanon’s exceptionality as we can’t agree on anything,” Miqati reiterated.

On the army’s role in controlling the Lebanese-Syrian border to halt any smuggling operations, the PM said that the army “is keen to preserve the national border.”

“I have reiterated in my statements that the army is a red line and the security is a red line,” he noted.

He urged the military to remain united and to fully carry out its tasks.

The Lebanese army has deployed in the northern villages near the border after officials from the region expressed concerns that Syria is planning a military incursion into Lebanon.

The Syrian army in November laced the Lebanese border with landmines in a bid to curb arms smuggling and to hamper army defectors and refugees from fleeing.

Syrian troops have also staged deadly incursions into border villages in Lebanon.

Some 6,400 Syrians have sought refuge in Lebanon, most of them in Wadi Khaled, since the outbreak nearly a year ago of an unprecedented revolt against the Syrian regime.

Asked about Lebanon after the possible collapse of President Bashar Assad’s regime, Miqati said that he “isn’t ready to gamble with Lebanon’s future… I am not searching for any possible scenarios.”

He said that he will visit Damascus as soon as the crisis ends.

“I am devoted to maintain (Lebanon’s) sovereignty, independence and the unity of its people.”

On local issues and the cabinet crisis that ended on Monday after a 4-week rift over a dispute between the Free Patriotic Movement ministers and Miqati concerning the appointment of top civil servants in posts reserved for Christians, the premier said that the government should boost its productivity.

“We have a chance to resolve issues that are of great concern for the Lebanese, and we’re sure that the cabinet will be able to stand as long as we’re united,” Miqati remarked.