Miqati Heads to Vatican on Nov. 28 amid Efforts to Keep Lebanon Out of Regional Changes
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Prime Minister Najib Miqati is scheduled to travel to the Vatican on November 28 where he is expected to meet with Pope Benedict XVI, reported the daily An Nahar on Saturday.
It noted that the visit is significant as it is part of efforts to keep Lebanon away from the political changes in the region given the division the developments in Syria have created among the government forces and opposition in Lebanon.
“The visit is important not just for Christians, but all of Lebanon’s sects … because the Vatican considers Lebanon to be a laboratory of civilizations, as described by late Pope John Paul II,” an informed source told the daily.
The talks may also address Pope Benedict’s possible visit to Lebanon in 2012.
Furthermore, discussions are set to tackle bilateral ties and Lebanon’s funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
The source told An Nahar that Miqati will reiterate his pledge to fund the STL.
For his part, the Pope will stress the importance of unity among all Lebanon factions and the need to steer away from sectarian strife, added the source.
Pope Benedict is closely monitoring the political and security developments in Lebanon, hoping that it will not be affected by the developments in Syria or any other country, it said.
The premier is also scheduled to meet with a number of Vatican officials.
This is Miqati’s third visit to a European country since being elected premier.
He had recently visited France and England.
19 November 2011, 19:13
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The STL will go forward regardless. The momentum is set for the process to go forward until completion.
Whether Lebanon contributes its portion or not is not a factor in whether the STL proceeds or not. The only issue at stake with Lebanon's contribution of its funding share is whether, if it does not contribute, that it faces international sanctions along with Mikati and other elements of the regime.
If it pays its share, then Mikati can escape sanctions. The issue you see is no longer the STL, that is resolved, the issue is Mikati and his private financial interests and whether they will get locked up.
