As Lebanon and Syria are gradually restoring their ties, diplomatic relations were hit with a setback. The process of exchanging ambassadors between the two countries has come to a standstill.
Damascus has rejected the names of four possible Lebanese ambassadors. On the other hand, the March 14 coalition is firmly rejecting a joint Lebanese-Syrian security committee, explaining that time is needed to regain confidence in the Syrian regime. They also fear Damascus might continue its procrastination on diplomatic exchange with Lebanon pending the January 20th inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama.
Some March 14 forces rejected Interior Minister Ziad Baroud's visit to Damascus and this was based on their knowledge of the "Syrian intentions", as they say. Defense Minister Elias Murr is scheduled to travel to Damascus soon. His visit is also being criticized.
Meanwhile, Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun, who is scheduled to travel to Damascus by the end of November, will be accompanied by a wide delegation including "officials" working on the issue of missing Lebanese in Syria. Aoun is to meet with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Syrian ministers dealing with security, military and judicial issues. He is also scheduled to address the Syrian People's Assembly.
Concerning the latest accusations adressed to the Mustaqbal Movement, leader Saad Hariri called for the intervention of a 22-member regional organization to look into "confessions" aired by Syria's state television last week about alleged links between Fatah al-Islam an his party. Assigning this committee will "block attempts by the Syrian regime to blame Lebanon for spreading terror, which is a game that only the Syrian regime excels in," he said.
" Syrial " intentions ?
