Saniora to Pin Down Lebanon-Syria Disagreements, Possibly to Urge Arab League Council Help

by **Admin** Sun Mar 30, 2008 6:15 am

Prime Minister Fouad Saniora on Friday will address Lebanese and Arab leaders on the Lebanon political crisis ahead of the weekend Arab summit in Damascus.

In his address, Saniora is expected to explain the reasons behind Lebanon's decision to boycott the March 29-30 summit.

He is also likely to incorporate his vision on ways to solve the protracted Lebanese crisis.

The pan-Arab daily Al Hayat said Friday it has learnt that Saniora's address at 8 pm will point out outcome of talks conducted by Arab League chief Amr Moussa in an effort to settle the ongoing impasse that has gripped Lebanon.

According to information obtained by Al Hayat, Saniora will cite two reasons for his decision to boycott the Damascus summit: First, Lebanon refuses to set a precedent on attending the summit without having a delegation headed by the President whose election was prevented by Damascus. Secondly, Lebanon chooses not to attend the summit since Damascus is the major side obstructing the election of a new President under an Arab League initiative.

Saniora, in his address, will likely call for an urgent meeting of the Arab League Council to be held in Cairo immediately after the end of the Damascus summit to look into the obstacles to the success of the three-point Arab plan to end the Lebanese crisis.

Al Hayat said Saniora in his statement will explain to Arab leaders the "list of pending disputes" which is preventing a speedy restoration of Lebanon-Syria relations.

Among these disputes:

- Demarcation of borders between Lebanon and Syria and the sovereignty of Shabaa Farms.
- Establishing diplomatic ties between Lebanon and Syria.
- Halting Syrian intervention in Lebanese internal affairs in light of the alliances between Syria and regional sides that continue to hamper presidential elections, an indirect reference to Iran.

- Uncovering the fate of Lebanese detainees in Syrian jails.