29/07/2010 Once again, Washington decided to interfere…
On Thursday, the Syrian capital was receiving Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz in a visit believed to be fundamental in brotherly relationships among Arab states as press reports said that it will be followed by an "exceptional joint visit" to be made by the two leaders to Lebanon.
The "reconciliatory" scene didn't seem to satisfy Washington.
Thus, US State Department Spokesman Philip Crowley decided to enter between the two leaders and called on "listen" to Saudi King Abdullah whose visits to Damascus and Beirut come as part of what he called his peace efforts.
"King Abdullah has played a significant leadership role in the region. So his prospective travel to Syria and to Lebanon is consistent with his search for peace, and his promotion of the Arab Peace Initiative," Crowley said.
Washington also believes that Abdullah's visit "reflects his concern about other regional security developments, including his … well-known concerns about Iran," he told reporters, expressing hope that Syria would play a more constructive role in the region.
When asked about Damascus' ties with Tehran, Crowley claimed that "it would be much better for Syria to distance itself from Iran and move in a more constructive direction."
"We think that President Assad and other Syrian leaders should listen very attentively to what King Abdullah will tell them," he went on to say.
Faced with the flagrant US interference, Syria didn't stay quiet…
An official source at the Syrian Foreign Ministry expressed astonishment over the content of the statement made by the US State department spokesman as it is not the United States' task to outline Syria's relations with other countries or to interfere in setting the content of the talks to be held during the Saudi King visit to Damascus.
The official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) quoted the source as underlining that Syria and Saudi Arabia are independent states belonging to this region, and know more than others the interests of the people of the region and how to work as to achieve these interests away from any foreign interference, and are the most able to define their policies in realization of security and stability in the region.
Saudi King in Damascus on Eve of Beirut Tripartite Summit
29/07/2010 In Beirut, all eyes are directed towards the "S.S. summit," the summit that will start in Damascus and reach climax in the Lebanese capital…
In Beirut, preparations to welcome Saudi King Abdullah and Syrian President Bashar Assad are ongoing after Saudi and Syrian flags were hoisted and lunch invitations were sent to Lebanese officials, including cabinet members.
The expected "unprecedented" visit is making the headlines in Beirut these days after the visit's announcement was enough to calm down the political rhetoric and end all debates.
Just one week ago, Lebanon was witnessing one of the most severe crises in the last stage. Politicians were exchanging accusations and attacks. One bloc was warning of a serious plot targeting the country and its Resistance. The opposite bloc was rejecting all threats and seeking "international justice."
Suddenly, everything ended. Calm prevailed and consensus imposed itself. The debates were suspended and politicians turned to be "beloved friends."
Yet, nothing is strange. The Saudi King and the Syrian President are coming "together." On their "honor," everything becomes possible in Lebanon.
The Saudi King, meanwhile, arrived in Damascus where he's set to stay for two days in which he will hold talks with Syrian President Bachar Assad before heading with him towards the Lebanese capital, where they're expected to hold a summit meeting with Lebanese President Michel Sleiman, before meeting with other Lebanese officials.
Earlier, the Syrian President's media advisor Buthaina Shaaban told Lebanese daily As-Safir that she expected the final decision on whether both leaders would arrive in Beirut together to be made on Thursday.
River to Sea
Uprooted Palestinian
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