Government ‘Reminds’ Diplomats of Vienna Convention
The cabinet “reminded” foreign diplomats on Wednesday to respect the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations after Hizbullah ministers Mohammed Fneish and Hussein al-Hajj Hassan accused U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly of interfering in Lebanon’s internal affairs.
Minister Ali Hassan Khalil, who is loyal to Speaker Nabih Berri, also urged the government to clarify its stance that Lebanon’s sovereignty should be respected.
The cabinet should stress that it “rejects any tampering with the stability of Lebanon and Syria and should be on alert at the chaos on (the Lebanese-Syrian) border,” Khalil said.
Following the three ministers’ remarks, the cabinet said in a statement that the reminder for diplomats to adhere to the 1961convention is aimed at “avoiding any violation that could have an impact on Lebanon’s relations with any side.”
The government added that it sought to treat any divisive issues “in the context of open dialogue.”
On Tuesday, an embassy statement said that Connelly “encouraged the Lebanese government to continue its cooperation with the international community and provide for the humanitarian needs and safety of all Syrians who have fled to Lebanon, including dissenters and deserters.”
She also noted the Lebanese government’s “right and responsibility to secure its borders, and called for the protection of all disarmed Syrians, including members of the Free Syrian Army.”
Media reports have said armed members of the rebel Free Syrian Army that is fighting President Bashar Assad’s forces are entering Lebanon from the eastern Bekaa valley.
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