Dr. Samir Geagea , leader of the Lebanese Forces said Thursday Syria's final response to the Arab initiative was signaled by the closure of overland border crossings with Lebanon. Syria has closed two border crossings: Al Aboudiyeh and Al Masnaa. The border crossings are a barometer of SyriaÂ’s relationship with Lebanon. Closing these crossings always expresses Syrian anger towards Lebanon. "This symbolic step reflects the real (Syrian) stand regarding the Arab initiative," Geagea said.He said statements made by Syria's allies in Lebanon in the past two days "indicate that they do not accept the Arab plan."
He stressed, in an interview with radio "Voice of Lebanon" , that the March 14 forces would continue "to the last minute in exerting efforts needed to bring the Arab plan to success."
Geagea said "regional sides do not want a state in Lebanon. Unfortunately some local sides are in harmony with the regional sides, and for their own reasons they are in harmony with the Syrian stand and block the resurrection of a powerful state."
He urged the opposition to "meet the majority and elect Gen. Michel Suleiman president if they do not have any real objections."
Geagea said the Arab initiative does not include a power sharing formula in the forthcoming government . This will be left for the president in accordance with the constitution. He noted that the rights of the Christians would only be respected by electing a president, asking where would the Christians' "rights be if Syria got a big share in the forthcoming government that should be formed after the presidential election?"