Syria Rejects Egyptian Efforts to Facilitate Suleiman's Election

by **Admin** Mon Mar 24, 2008 3:55 am

Syria has rejected Egyptian efforts to facilitate the election of Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Michel Suleiman president prior to the forthcoming Arab Summit, the daily al-Hayat reported Sunday.

The report, quoting ranking political sources in Beirut, said Egypt had proposed "gradual implementation" of the Arab initiative, beginning with electing Suleiman president.

Syria, however, rejected the Egyptian approach and insisted on prior agreement on the distribution of government seats that would give the Hizbullah-led opposition veto powers.

Syria also proposed delaying the exchange of diplomatic relations with Lebanon until such a time when tension between the two states ends, the report added.