Miqati: We are Trying to Distance Lebanon from Developments in Syria
Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Tuesday that Lebanon does not want to intervene in the developments in Syria “because we don’t want anyone to meddle in our affairs.”
He said while meeting with a delegation of Arab ambassadors in New York: “We don’t want to interfere in its affairs because we want to defend Lebanon from any potential repercussions on the country.”
“We are trying our utmost to distance Lebanon from regional developments, especially those in Syria,” the premier said.
Miqati met with the ambassadors at the end of his four-day visit to the United Nations where he chaired its Security Council on Tuesday.
He renewed during the meeting with Arab ambassadors Lebanon’s commitment to the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701, calling on the international community to pressure Israel to halt is ongoing violation against Lebanon.
He also demanded that the Lebanese army be supported in performing its duties to the utmost throughout Lebanese territory.
On Palestine’s request to be recognized as an independent state by the U.N., Miqati said: “Lebanon has always treated Palestine and the Palestinians well. We have long supported its cause.”
“We now recognize that its bid for statehood is the least that can be presented to it,” he added.
“It’s unfortunate that not all sides supported this request and we will keep on striving, through all diplomatic means available, to ensure that Palestine achieve its independence,” he stressed.
Miqati held talks during his visit with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and a number of other officials.
He chaired the Security Council on Tuesday, renewing Lebanon’s commitment to international resolutions and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
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