Asiri Says Turmoil in Syria Might Spill Over into Lebanon

Saudi Ambassador Ali Awadh Asiri didn't rule out on Wednesday that the chaos in Syria would spill over into Lebanon as the Lebanese government failed to commit to the dissociation policy.

“The Syrian regime might spread chaos in several areas across Lebanon to divert the developments in the Damascus,” Asiri said in an interview with the pan-Arab daily al-Hayat.

He expressed hope that the Lebanese would be aware of what is being prepared for them.

Asked about the tourism season in Lebanon, the Saudi diplomat said that it is linked to the security situation and stability in the country.

“The developments in Syria have a negative impact on Lebanon,” Asiri said.

Lebanese parties are sharply divided over the crisis in Syria as the March 8 alliance continuously expresses its support to Syrian president Bashar Assad, while the March 14 camp voices its support for the popular revolt.

The international community and analysts have expressed fears that the conflict in Syria may spill over into the Lebanon.

Since the eruption of Syria's clashes in 2011, Lebanon has been witnessing several security incidents in Tripoli, along the Lebanese-Syrian border and in several other regions.