Miqati Says Lebanon Respects Calls for Freedom in Neighboring Countries but ‘Won’t Interfere’

Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Thursday that Lebanon respects the ambitions of the people in neighboring countries to achieve freedom but said Beirut won’t interfere in their internal affairs.

“The transitions in the Arab countries had high costs at all levels,” Miqati said during a conference on the Middle East.

He noted that the democratic regimes became a necessity to those nations that are looking forward to live in freedom and dignity, saying: “We hope that Syria resolves the crisis and regains its role.”

“There is a huge responsibility on the leaders of the new regimes (in the Middle East),” Miqati told the gatherers.

The premier stated that the “constructive dialogue” is essential as violence will not resolve any crisis but will cause more rifts among the people of one nation.

Miqati urged the countries in the region to follow the Lebanese model in approaching the national dialogue that was based on the Taef accord.

“No one will be able to affect us and change our decision to disassociate Lebanon from the crises in the region,” he added.

The countries in the region could’ve avoided the negative repercussions in the countries that witnessed revolts if a national dialogue was launched.

“It’s the era of tough choices, we have to choose carefully our stances to safeguard our nation,” Miqati said.