Feltman Stresses Need to Maintain Cooperation with STL, Hopes Syrian Crisis Will End Peacefully
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman stressed on Wednesday the need for Lebanon to continue its cooperation with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
He said after holding talks with Prime Minsiter Najib Miqati that he does not believe that Lebanon wants to wage a confrontation with the Arab and international communities.
He revealed that he had handed the premier a letter from U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton expressing to him her gratitude that the Lebanese government had decided to fund the STL.
Feltman noted that Lebanon had signed an agreement with the United Nations Security Council regarding the STL, adding that Lebanon is also obligated to fulfill its commitments in the implementation of resolution 1701 and 1752.
Addressing the situation in Syria, the U.S. official remarked that the international community has reached a consensus over Syria.
He stressed the need for reaching a peaceful solution to the crisis, stating that Lebanon does not seek to become involved in a confrontation with the Arab and international communities over this issue.
Furthermore, he expressed the United States’ strong support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence, adding that it will continue on supporting the Lebanese army in its efforts to protect the country’s borders.
Feltman said that he will later hold talks with President Michel Suleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri, and representatives from the March 14 camp and government.
The U.S. official had arrived in Lebanon on Wednesday on a two-day visit where he held talks with the head of the Democratic Renewal Movement former MP Nassib Lahoud before heading to the Grand Serail for talks with Miqati.
“Feltman will focus (in his talks) on the security and political situation in Lebanon and the regional situation especially in Syria,” a U.S. diplomatic source told As Safir newspaper on Tuesday.
The source noted that Feltman’s visit was scheduled weeks ago and it isn’t related to the funding of the STL probing the assassination of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri.
Miqati has announced that he had transferred Lebanon's share of funds for the STL.
The diplomat said Feltman will stress during his visit the importance of Lebanon’s commitment to U.N. Security Council resolutions 1701 and 1559.
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