Lebanon's prime minister-designate Omar Karameh must strengthen relations with Damascus and deal with a UN resolution calling for Syrian troops to withdraw from the country, Syrian state radio said Sunday. The incoming government "should first consolidate fraternal relations, cooperation and coordination between Syria and Lebanon," Radio Damascus said in its daily editorial. The comments come after pro-Damascus Karameh was asked on Thursday to form a government following the resignation of his arch-foe Rafiq Hariri, a move which has drawn international criticism for Damascus's perceived role in the affair.
 Karameh's yet-to-be-formed government's next task would be to deal with a UN Security Council resolution calling on Syria to stop perceived meddling in its smaller neighbour's political affairs and to withdraw its estimated 15,000 troops from Lebanon, the station said. "Dealing with Resolution 1559, which threatens the security and independence of Lebanon, would then be necessary and at the top of the government's list of priorities ... It is clear that Israel is behind the undeclared objectives of this international resolution." Following his designation, Karameh declared that his main task would be to resist external pressures being exerted on Lebanon and Syria and to prepare elections set for early next year. "The success of the new Lebanese government led by Mr. Karameh will be that sovereignty, independence and Lebanese national unity," the station continued. |