Report: McCain’s Visit to Lebanon Aimed at Following up on Lebanese Positions on Syrian Crisis
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
U.S. Senator John McCain arrived in Lebanon this week to hold talks with a number of officials on the Syrian crisis and its effect on Lebanon, reported al-Joumhouria newspaper on Friday.
Widely-informed sources told the newspaper that his trip is aimed at following up on Lebanese position on the crisis.
“The visit is more of an assessment rather than a political or routine one,” they added.
McCain last visited Lebanon in May during which he toured the Lebanese-Syrian border in the North and inquired about the stances of Lebanese officials on the developments in Syria.
The U.S. official “seemed to have a number of questions to pose to officials regarding the situation in Syria and its effect on Lebanon,” said the sources of his visit this week.
He later held talks on Friday with President Michel Suleiman on bolstering bilateral ties, U.S. military aid to Lebanon, and the latest developments Syria.
He held talks on Thursday with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, after which he stressed the need to set up a safe zone for the Free Syrian Army and opposition to allow them to organize their affairs, carry out trainings, and cater to the wounded.
He later clarified after holding talks on Friday with Mustaqbal bloc head MP Fouad Saniora that he was not talking about Lebanon when he spoke of a safe zone for the Free Syrian Army.
He had also met with Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji.
06 July 2012, 12:34
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No Mr. McCain, we, the Lebanese, will not allow any armed foreigner (whether they be Syrian forces or the FSA) to use Lebanon as a 'training ground' for their own benefit. We already learnt that in 1975-1990. It would be more logical to have the Lebanese Army on the Lebanese border, to ensure that every single citizen is protected and kept safe from the problem's in Syria. We need our army to protect our dignity and our sovereignty.
06 July 2012, 14:29
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The problem with our politics is that we are allied with foreigners before we ally with ourselves. From an independent view, if the Lebanese government is anti-Syrian and anti-Iranian, at the same time it should be anti-Western influence and anti-Israeli influence. We need to say no to those who have wronged us, and all of the above have. No more Pro-Syrian and Pro-American, it's time for Pro-Lebanese!
06 July 2012, 16:12
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@ FlameThrower: Your comment is perfect! Enough of Syrian influence! Enough of American, Israeli, Iranian influence! Enough of Geagea and Aoun, Hariri and Nasrallah, Berri w Jumblatt. We need to turn the page and build Lebanon! Lebanon is not in a good neighbourhood, Syria and Israel never were, are or will be an ally whatsoever. Nor will America, especially after their actions in 1989-1990. We need to ally ourselves with eachother, Muslims and Christians!
06 July 2012, 13:51
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And the silly and sick Lebanese meet this loser to, of all, G.W. BUSH as if he is God-sent! PEOPLE!!! I am not sure if calling our politicians silly is being super nice. They are more like "at your service, masters, be you dumb and useless." John McCain? wlak YA FRIGGIN 3EIN.
06 July 2012, 13:56
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We must stay out of the Syrian mess. Let them sort it out themselves. Seal that border BOTH WAYS. We have enough internal problems to tinker with a tinderbox like Syria. All of our politicians must act cool-headed now. The U.S. can afford to be involved and put pressure on the Syria. But please don't drag us into this can of worms. Lebanon first and last, thank you.
07 July 2012, 04:08
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Lebanon does not have a problem and hope everybody leave us alone.
Syria has problems and McCain should be there trying to solve it ?
Can they write an article title: "If the west and europe like and support the muslim brotherhood, they should ALL be invited to live in the states or europe"
