U.S. Downplays Lebanon's Boycott of Washington Conference
A U.S. diplomat underestimated Lebanon's decision to boycott a conference expected to be held in Washington after Beirut claimed that it cannot take part in a meeting to confront terrorism with the Jewish state's participation.
“Cooperation between the Lebanese and U.S. security agencies is ongoing,” the diplomatic source said in comments published in al-Liwaa newspaper on Wednesday.
Washington, according to the daily, informed Lebanon its regret that Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil will not take part in the conference.
However, the diplomat pointed out that Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq will head to Washington in March upon a formal invitation.
Media reports said that Washington received an official apology from Lebanon on its participation in the “White House conference on efforts to counter violent extremism,” as Beirut argued it cannot be a “partner with Israel in confronting terrorism.”
More than 60 countries, including 14 Arab nations and Israel, are expected to take part in the summit slated on February 18 at the White House and presided by U.S. President Barack Obama.
The White House planned the conference in light of the recent shootings in France and earlier attacks in Canada and Australia.
The meetings are expected to continue the next day where the foreign ministers will meet at the headquarters of the U.S. State Department, headed by Secretary of State John Kerry. The third day is devoted to meetings of experts and specialized committees in Washington.
Bassil has apologized for the participation in the conference after consultations with Prime Minister Tammam Salam.
The Islamic State controls several areas in Syria and Iraq and aims to spread to Lebanon as its fighters position in the outskirts of Bekaa towns bordering Syria and the Lebanese army is in adamant efforts to stop their efforts to infiltrate the country.
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