Feltman Cautions Assad: Deeds, Not Words, Matter Most

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman rejected a theory which says that commitment to justice would lead to instability, thus gives an excuse to use violence and weapons in dealing with the Court indictment which is expected soon.

In an interview with An-Nahar newspaper published Friday, Feltman cautioned Syrian President Bashar Assad that the actions and practices of his allies should comply with the Syrian leadership's commitment to Lebanon's security and stability.

"Deeds, not words, matter most," he stressed.

Feltman held Syria responsible for any disturbances or acts of violence carried out by its allies over the Court indictment.

He said that while Syrian officials have reassured them that they are keen on Lebanon's stability and that they are working to defuse tensions in Lebanon "because this is in their interest," follow up on this issue suggests that Damascus' allies in Lebanon are doing the opposite.

Feltman stressed Washington's confidence in the leadership role played by President Michel Suleiman and Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

He also said the U.S. was confident in the roles being played by the Lebanese army and police in maintaining civil peace, protecting citizens against armed attacks and preventing a widespread security collapse in the country against the backdrop of the indictment.

Feltman said the U.S. , France as well as the Arab world and the international community are concerned about the tense situation in Lebanon.

He noted that efforts are being made at several levels to prevent the outbreak of violence in Lebanon.