Arab decision on Syria not in Lebanon’s interest

Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour discussed with Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun the latest Arab League decision to ask the United Nations for a joint Arab-U.N. peacekeeping force in Syria. Following his talks with Aoun in Rabieh, Mansour said: “The meeting was an occasion to discuss what happened in Cairo when the Arab League called for an extraordinary meeting to discuss the Syrian” crisis. Mansour stressed that Lebanon expressed reservations about the initiative “because it included dangerous articles that don’t come in harmony with Lebanon’s stance.” Lebanese officials, including the president, the speaker and the premier, have stressed that Lebanon should steer itself clear of the developments in Syria, where activists say more than 6,000 people have died in a crackdown on dissent since March. Part of the Arab League initiative includes opening contacts with Syria's opposition and offering full political and financial support. “How could this happen?” Mansour wondered. “If there are opposition members on Lebanese authorities, should we provide them with financial and military help?” “Does this fortify Lebanon and its security and stability?” he asked, saying “I don’t think so.” “We should look into Lebanon’s interest first and distance ourselves from sensitivities,” the minister said. Asked about severe criticism against him on his stances on the situation in Syria, Mansour said: “We have signed bilateral agreements with Syria and we should respect these treaties.” He reiterated his warning that Syria’s flames would reach Lebanon if it goes on fire. naharnet .