Australia's FM Condemns Tripoli Bombs: Hizbullah's Fighting in Syria Affects Stability in Lebanon
Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Bob Carr warned on Saturday that Hizbullah's involvement in the Syrian war and the uncontrolled border between the two countries threaten stability in Lebanon.
"The participation of Hizbullah and of extremist groups such as al-Qaida and Al-Nusra Front in the Syrian conflict will have an impact on stability in Lebanon,” Carr stated during a visit he made to the offices of the state-run National News Agency in Beirut.
He added: “The uncontrolled border with Syria also exposes Lebanon to many dangers.”
Carr condemned Friday's blasts in the northern city of Tripoli, calling on Australians “to reconsider their visits to Lebanon.”
"We urge them to avoid going to the southern suburbs of Beirut and to register their presence in the country at Australia's embassy in Lebanon.”
Powerful car bombs exploded outside two Sunni mosques in Tripoli on Friday afternoon.
The first bomb struck in the city center at the al-Salam mosque as worshipers were still inside.
The second explosion struck just minutes later outside al-Taqwa mosque, about two kilometers away, near the port.
Caretaker premier Najib Miqati announced that the explosions killed 35 people and wounded 900 others, including 110 in a critical condition.
In a separate matter, the Australian FM stressed that if it was confirmed that the Syrian regime used chemical weapons in its attacks, "Russia will be pressured to urge President Bashar Assad to resort to a ceasefire."
"He will also have to accept peaceful political changes in the Syrian regime,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Carr assured that Australia will keep supporting Syria's refugees, expressing his concern over the “increasing number of Syrians present in Lebanon.”
"We offered USD 100 million to countries that were affected by the presence of refugees on their territories," he revealed.
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