Report: Cabinet to Pave Way for Series of Settlements Including Hizbullah's Withdrawal from Syria
The formation of Tammam Salam's cabinet is expected to lead to a series of agreements among the Lebanese arch-foes, in particular regarding the conflict in the neighboring country Syria.
A diplomatic source expressed optimism in comments published in An Nahar newspaper on Wednesday that the newly appointed government would be able to draft its ministerial policy statement swiftly.
The source predicted that the cabinet will obtain a regional support and lead to agreements on several matters including Hizbullah's withdrawal from Syria in a month or so and the release of the Islamist prisoners.
The party has dispatched fighters to battle alongside the Syrian regime against rebels seeking the overthrow of President Bashar Assad.
The diplomat considered that the meeting between Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi and Hizbullah's Liaison and Coordination Officer Wafiq Safa as an indication that all the security and judicial complications will be settled, especially concerning the situation in the town of Arsal in the Bekaa.
The source stressed that endeavors carried out by Arab countries, in particular Saudi Arabia, will provide the necessary cover to control Lebanon's northern border with Syria to end the infiltration of gunmen and arms to pave the way for Hizbullah to end its mission in the neighboring country.
Arsal lies 12 kilometers from the border with Syria and has been used as a conduit for weapons and rebels to enter Syria, while also serving as a refuge for people fleeing the conflict that erupted in 2011.
The Lebanese army has several times seized cars loaded with arms and ammunition in the town and its outskirts.
On Monday, Safa held talks with Rifi to congratulate him on his appointment in Salam's cabinet.
Rifi considered that the meeting “paved communications path that were previously shut.”
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