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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| Aoun Backs Alliance With Hezbollah |
| 2008-06-28 |
| Lebanon's Free Patriotic Movement leader General Michel Aoun voiced support on Friday for a February 2006 deal between his party and Hezbollah, stressed on the normalization of the bilateral relations with the neighboring Syria. Speaking to Alalam TV Aoun said that the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Hezbollah served both parties and people's interests. "This is the only true deal which has been signed in Lebanon for the past thirty years." On February 2006 a MOU was signed between the two most powerful Shiite and Christian political movements in Lebanon, in which protecting Lebanon from Israeli threat, having normal diplomatic ties with Syria, liberating the Shebaa Farms from the Israeli occupation and liberating Lebanese prisoners from Israeli jails were included as key points. "This is kind of a deal which can be signed not only between Christians and Muslims but between all different Lebanese factions and parties," former Lebanese army commander said. "It is not just a deal," Aoun said, stressing that the move was a longstanding goal to which the both sides are committed. Stressing on the importance of mutual negotiations as the key solution to be observed in all political problems, he said "All clauses included in the MOU have been discussed thoroughly which helped both parties surpass psychological barriers and discover additional dimensions of other party, not known to other side." He added, "We have found in Hezbollah commitment, honesty, openness and confidence which was more important than the all." On the Lebanon-Syria bilateral relation Aoun pointed out that "His views on the future of Lebanon-Syria relations are not consistent with that of Washington and Paris." "The United States still considers Syria as a source of concern and instability in Lebanon, while we are looking for a good relationship with Damascus." Aoun also said there were expectations from the Lebanese government to invite Syrian officials to the negotiation table, "But continued accusation of Syria over Rafik al-Hariri's assassination and other attacks after Syrian withdrawal marred hopes for better relations." |
| Posted by:Fred |