Ali Meets Mansour: Lebanon Has Greater Obligation than Syria in Implementing Bilateral Agreements
Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdul Karim Ali noted on Wednesday that the agreements between Lebanon and Syria obligate the two countries to respect them.
He said after holding talks with Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour: “The greater responsibility however lies on Lebanon in implementing these agreements because arms are being smuggled to Syria and sometimes they are being smuggled through Lebanon.”
“Syria hopes that Lebanon will remain diligent of such activity because Lebanon’s security concerns us,” he added.
“The security of both countries is complementary,” stressed the ambassador.
“This has been stated by the Lebanese president, prime minister, and various officials and we hope the results would be better,” remarked Ali.
He added however that he has noted a keenness from the Lebanese and Syrian armies and officials on maintaining each side’s security.
Asked after the talks about MP Walid Jumblat’s recent criticism of Mansour over his position at the Arab League meeting on Syria, Ali replied: “Mansour does not need anyone to speak on his behalf.”
“This is a Lebanese matter and the foreign minister has stated his position,” continued the ambassador.
Jumblat criticized on Monday Mansour’s position on the Syrian crisis, saying that it is harming Lebanon’s credibility.
He said: “If only Lebanon’s envoy at the Arab League meetings would remain silent over the Syrian crisis instead of proposing solutions to the unrest.”
He added that Lebanon should also maintain its position of distancing itself from the Syrian developments instead of suggesting solutions to the crisis.
Mansour slammed the MP’s remarks saying that he does not need to be “lectured by anyone on democratic conduct.”
He said: “If silence is the golden rule, then all sides are better off keeping quiet.”
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