Naharnet Newsdesk - Lebanon Recalls Ambassador to U.S. After Cabinet Disapproves of his Remarks on Latest Violence

			Welcome
English

Lebanon

Lebanon Recalls Ambassador to U.S. After Cabinet Disapproves of his Remarks on Latest Violence
Lebanon on Thursday recalled its ambassador to the United States after he suggested Israel and Hizbullah negotiate a prisoner exchange.
The Cabinet ordered Farid Abboud's recall for violating government policy, officials said. Lebanon's government has tried to distance itself from Hizbullah after it snatched two Israeli soldiers, prompting a massive Israeli air, land and sea bombardment of the country.

A statement read by Information Minister Ghazi Aridi said the government decided to ask the ambassador to return home "because of irresponsible statements he made today (Wednesday) which contradict the position and policy of the government."

Abboud, speaking on CNN Wednesday, called for an exchange of two Israeli soldiers kidnapped by Hizbullah for Arab prisoners held by Israel and the withdrawal of Israel from Lebanese territory.

"We have our prisoners. They have prisoners," Abboud said. "An exchange would be appropriate, and I think it will resolve the problem."

Foreign Ministry officials confirmed the Cabinet decision was carried out and Abboud recalled. Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh was not in Lebanon and was trying to return from abroad by land through Syria after Israeli warplanes attacked Beirut airport, forcing its closure.

The Lebanese Cabinet includes two ministers from Hizbullah, but is dominated by anti-Syrian politicians, many of whom are critical of the group. On Wednesday, the government said it had no prior knowledge of the Hizbullah operation, did not condone it and bore no responsibility for it.

Abboud is a close ally of pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud, and the anti-Syrian majority in Cabinet and Parliament have been waging a campaign to remove him. The president is boycotted by the United States and Western powers, saying the extension of his mandate under Syrian pressure in 2004 was improper.(AP)

Beirut, 13 Jul 06, 14:15


Your Comments


You Make the News

Cast Your Comments on this Article
View & Recommend Readers' Comments

Other Headlines

Khalife: Ethiopian Plane 'Exploded' after Take-off, 5 More Victims Identified

Separate St. Maroun Celebrations in Beirut and Brad, Sfeir Says Maronite Church Keen on Coexistence

Spanish King Inspects U.N. Troops in South Lebanon

Jumblat Expresses Regret at 'Offensive Words' against Syrian People, Leadership

Hariri Convinced with Syrian Clarifications on Assad's Remarks

Struger: The Situation is Calm, All Sides Cooperating with UNIFIL

Murr Kicks of Talks with U.S. Officials

Army Arrests Majzoub's Uncle

Suleiman to Spain's King: Lebanon, UNIFIL Facing Dangerous Israeli Threats

Saudi Government Urges International Response to Israeli Threats Against Lebanon, Syria

U.S. Congressman Involved in Deployment of U.S. Marines in Beirut Dies

Phalange Party: Assad's Remarks 'a Second Message' after Abu Moussa's

Jumblat: Leave the Issue of Feb. 14 Rally Participation to Last Minute

Sfeir in Lent Message: Maronite Presence is Based on Covenant, We Ask for No One's Guarantees

Quarrel at Manara Fishermen Port: Mashnouq Denies Being Beaten, Aridi Declines to Comment

Recovered Black Box Could Tell Story of Ethiopian Plane Crash

Assad to Berri: Syria will Support Lebanon if Israel Attacks

Black Box Retrieved 14 Days after Ethiopian Plane Crash

Filipina House Worker Murders Employer's Sister with Kitchen Knife

Rifi in Damascus as March 14 Adapts to New Phase

Assad to Berri: We Support Lebanon and Its Stability

Aoun: Lebanese Refugees in Israel is a Pressing Issue, Not All of Them are Spies

Survey: Mixed View of Hizbullah in Muslim Countries

Western Diplomat Rules Out Israeli War on Lebanon

Mustaqbal Doubts Authenticity of Remarks Attributed to Assad, Hariri Calls Assad

Aridi: Black Boxes Located under the Ethiopian Plane's Tail

European Official: Lebanon is Safe from Israeli Attacks during Next 3 Months

Sfeir Sends Jumblat Message

Qassem Rules Out War but Says Hizbullah Should be Ready

Jumblat Concerned over New Israeli War, Describes Situation as Madness

Hizbullah Cadres on Alert

U.S. Concern over Alleged Arms Smuggling, Repetition of 2006 Scenario

Suleiman Consulting with Officials on Reviving National Dialogue

International Review of UNIFIL Structure Amid Denial to Downsize it

Gilad: Israel's Anti-Missile System to Remain on Lebanon's Front

Jumblat Snaps Back at Lieberman: We Are with Syrian People, Leadership Above All Else

Sfeir: Possibilities of War Exist as Long as Hizbullah Wants to Play State Role

Cassese: Hariri Case Highly Complex

Suleiman: Lebanese Democratic System Among the Best in the World

Interior Ministry, USAID Sign MOU on Technical Support for Municipal Elections

Wahab Accuses Arslan of Murder Attempt, Tells Him Gone is Era of Dinosaurs

Army, Lebanese Forces at Loggerheads Over Alleged Torture of Minor

Geagea: March 14 will Carry On until Cedar Revolution Goals are Achieved

Libya Expects Suleiman to Participate in Arab Summit Despite Shiite Ire

Moussa: Fragile Mideast Situation Could Reflect on Lebanon

Agreement to Stop News Leaks on Dar al-Fatwa

Assad: Civil War in Lebanon Could Start in Days unless They Change the Whole System

Names of Lebanese Passengers Released from Plane Crash


Other Categories

Editorials
SpecialReports
Middle East
The World
Interview
Away From Politics
Lebanon Business
World Business
Culture
Lebanon Sports
World Sports
Technology
Health
Fringe


Comments

Please wait while we load the comments

Click to Comment
Recommend Readers' Comments to Promote Their Views