"An Unnamed United States official (go ahead, guess!) said that the line-up of the new Lebanese cabinet headed by Prime Minister Najib Mikati is “disappointing.” The official was quoted by Al-Hayat newspaper’s Thursday edition as saying that Washington “does not have any reason to trust that the [March 8-backed cabinet] will be committed to Lebanon’s international responsibilities.
”“We are waiting for the Ministerial Statement [to be drafted] and for actions [to be taken],” he added. He also said that “the key issue” is ... the UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) probing former PM Rafik Hariri’s 2005 assassination. (and Syria's indictment!)..."
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| Local Editor | |
| A high-ranked U.S. official said that the Lebanese government will be judged based on its lineup, policy statement and actions. He said that “the key issue is that Lebanon respects its international commitments, specifically the international resolution 1701 and the international tribunal”. The U.S. official considered that the government lineup is disappointing as “there is no reason for us to trust that this team will commit to Lebanon’s international duties… we are waiting for the policy statement and actions”. “However”, he added, “until now we have one point against them”, in reference to t  he government lineup.He pointed out that “the ministers given the Defense, Foreign, and Interior portfolios, especially the Defense portfolio, are disappointing”. The U.S. official further said that “if (PM Najib) Miqati’s government does not execute Lebanon’s international commitments, there will be consequences… these will not be confined to the U.S. – Lebanese relations, but will affect Lebanon’s international relations, especially on the international tribunal issue”. Moreover, he noted that the timing of the government’s formation is critical and inappropriate, “as it seemed that Lebanon is strengthening its alliance with Syria at a time when Syria is repressing its people”. “Our entire relation with Lebanon, including the aids, depend on our evaluation of the government”, the official emphasized. In parallel, the Zionist Foreign Minister stated Wednesday that “Israel hopes that the new Lebanese government would take part in enhancing regional stability and implementing the law along its borders”. The minister added that “Israel expected the Lebanese government to apply the Security Council’s decisions, especially the 1701 resolution, and to solve the issues concerning negotiations and mutual respect”. |
Uprooted Palestinian
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