Bassil Says Meeting with Muallem Held According to Norms, Rejects Criticism
Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil lashed out at critics, saying that his meeting with his Syrian counterpart Walid Muallem in New York was held according to norms.
“The meeting was supposed to happen and it did,” Bassil told reporters in France.
The minister, who is a Free Patriotic Movement official, stressed that Lebanon will not request the international coalition against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria to carry out any raids against jihadists, who are taking positions on the outskirts of the northeastern border town of Arsal, despite attending the Jeddah meet and signing the final statement.
“The Lebanese army has enough capabilities to deal with the matter... Its role shouldn't be questioned,” Bassil told reporters.
Asked about Hizbullah's ties with the FPM, the minister said that there are several points of contention.
“Having different points of view is normal... But we have an agreement to work together and not against each other.”
Last week, Bassil held a meeting with Muallem on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly meeting in New York.
It is considered a rare meeting between a Lebanese official and a representative of the Syrian government.
Concerning the visit carried out by the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, Bassil welcomed any military assistance offered to the Lebanese army.
“Any unconditional grant for Lebanon is welcomed.”
Shamkhani's announcement came following talks with Prime Minister Tammam Salam at the Grand Serail on Tuesday. He also held talks with Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
Tehran has offered help in the past but such offers did not materialize because of sharp divisions among Lebanese political groups over Iran.
For the past two months, the Lebanese army has been fighting Jihadists near the border with Syria. In early August, extremists crossed into Lebanon from Syria, capturing several soldiers and policemen.
Concerning the $3 billion arms deal financed by Riyadh, Bassil expressed relief that there are no obstacles impeding the delivery to the Lebanese army.
The deal is for military equipment and arms to be supplied to Lebanon's army.
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