Aoun: Syria Ties Already Normalized, Siege on Hizbullah Affects All Lebanese

President Michel Aoun on Thursday noted that Lebanon's ties with Syria are already “normalized,” warning that any siege on Hizbullah would “affect all Lebanese.”

“The ties with Syria are normalized, seeing as they're characterized by the presence of an ambassador in each of the two countries, and therefore they're not severed,” Aoun said in an interview with reporters of Russian-owned media outlets on the eve of an upcoming visit to Moscow.

“Lebanon wants to take part in its reconstruction,” Aoun added, referring to war-torn Syria.

Aoun also accused the international community of “taking refugees as a hostage in order to receive the price in the political solution.”

“Lebanon takes notice of the international conditions but it will act according to its higher interest,” the president added.

Moreover, Aoun revealed that U.N. refugee agency chief Filippo Grandi has informed Lebanese officials that “the situation of those returning to Syria is good and they are living in comfort.”

Separately, the president said “Lebanon is a neutral country and will not engage in wars.”

“It is rather seeking friendships with everyone and the siege on Hizbullah affects all Lebanese,” Aoun added.

He also described the relations with Russia as “historic,” saying Lebanon is “seeking to develop them on all levels.”

Earlier in the day, the Lebanese Presidency announced that Aoun's visit to Russia has been officially scheduled for March 25-26.

“President Michel Aoun will carry out an official visit to the Russian Federation on March 25 and 26, at an invitation from his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin,” the Presidency said in a statement.

According to the statement, the president will meet Putin on Tuesday and will also hold talks with a number of Russian officials.