Ali: Lebanon Must Fortify its Internal Scene, Avoid Complying with Int'l Pressure on Syria

Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdul Karim Ali hoped that Lebanon would fortify its border with Syria and prevent the smuggling of arms and infiltration of gunmen into Syrian territory, reported al-Nour radio on Thursday.

He told the radio: “Lebanon must fortify its internal scene and avoid responding to international pressure on Syria.”

He made his statement in response to a question on his position on President Michel Suleiman’s remarks that he is awaiting Syrian President Bashar Assad to contact him to clarify the charges against Syrian officials in the case of Lebanese former Minister Michel Samaha.

“The fortification of the Lebanese internal scene will lead to the fortification of the Syrian internal scene. Either side’s harboring of extremist factions will negatively impact them and Lebanon’s internal security,” he noted.

Ali added: “Fraternal ties connect Lebanon and Syria and agreements have been signed between the two sides to coordinate their relations.”

“Syria is keen on respecting these agreements and it is eager to establish the best ties with Lebanon,” he said.

“We hope that the coordination between the two countries continues as it will benefit Syria and Lebanon,” he continued.

On the Lebanese government’s decision to distance itself from the developments in Syria, the ambassador stated: “The violations along the Lebanese-Syrian border contradict this policy.”

“The Lebanese president and prime minister have repeatedly said that Lebanon is seeking to distance itself from the Syrian crisis and we hope this policy will be implemented on the ground because we are witnessing almost daily violations of the Syrian border by gunmen,” he noted.

Commenting on the March 14 camp’s demands that Lebanon sever its diplomatic ties with Syria, Ali said: “The Syrian embassy in Lebanon and the Syrian ambassador’s conduct have not violated any diplomatic protocols.”

“I am keen on maintaining these protocols based on our keenness on the fraternal relations between the two countries,” he added.

“The interests of the two countries complement each other and the security of the peoples of the two countries complement each other as well,” he explained.

He therefore said that calls for severing ties with Syria “are irresponsible and no response should be made to them.”

March 14 officials had demanded that Lebanon cut ties with Syria over the Samaha case as he, along with the Syrian security Chief Maj. Gen. Ali Mamlouk, were charged with forming a group to commit crimes in Lebanon.

Addressing the clashes in the northern city of Tripoli, Ali hoped that the Lebanese army would be able to impose its authority throughout Lebanon and not just the city.

“The cause of the problem needs to be resolved,” he stressed.

This includes tackling the illegal possession of arms among extremists, whether they are Lebanese, Syrian, or from other nationalities, he remarked.

“The tackling of the problem should not be based on spite or political affiliations,” he continued.

One person was killed and two others wounded in the Tripoli clashes that have raged on despite a ceasefire being announced on Wednesday.

The clashes between the Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen neighborhoods broke out on Monday over a personal dispute.

At least nine people have been killed and 84, including 15 soldiers, have been wounded so far.