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Chirac: Syrian Threats to Lebanon will Trigger International Response

French President Jacques Chirac has warned Syria that the international community will take action against any perceived threat to Lebanon's stability through assassinations or supply of weapons.
Chirac, in an interview with al-Hayat newspaper published Saturday, said that the murder of ex-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri will not go unpunished.

"Syria should understand that any act that encroaches upon the stability of Lebanon, through sending arms or (committing) assassinations, contradicts its standing in the international community," said the French President.

"This will surely lead to a response by the international community," he added.

Chirac, speaking on the eve of a visit to Saudi Arabia for talks with King Abdullah, said both France and the kingdom were keen on unveiling the truth about Hariri's murder.

"This crime cannot go unpunished. The truth and justice are necessary for the sake of a new Lebanon," Chirac said.

The French leader's talks with King Abdullah are expected to focus in great part on the situation in Lebanon and the national dialogue meeting that is underway in Beirut.

Chirac said that dialogue and reaching an agreement between Lebanon's various communities should be a national priority now.

"The Lebanese should understand the necessity of giving priority to national dialogue and understanding between the different (religious) sects," Chirac told the London-based newspaper.

Lebanon's top political leaders are holding roundtable discussions for the third day in an attempt to solve intractable issues that have escalated into a potentially explosive crisis over the past months. The unprecedented meeting between Muslim and Christian; pro-Syria and anti-Syria leaders has so far been described as positive by participants and reports in the media.

One of the top issues on the agenda is the removal of President Emile Lahoud, who is viewed by the anti-Syria majority as a staunch Damascus ally who is hindering the country's political recovery. Lahoud's opponents have been waging an intensive campaign to oust him.

Chirac insisted that his country was not interfering in any way in Lebanon's internal affairs, in an apparent response to accusations by the Lebanese presidency that the French head of state was working with Lahoud's rivals to remove him.

"France is not interfering in Lebanese domestic politics, nor is it interfering in Syrian domestic politics" said Chirac.

But he added that his government would wish "that Syria would conduct itself in conformity with United Nations resolutions in all respects, whether in respect of not destabilizing Lebanon or with regards to cooperating with the U.N. inquiry commission as is expected of it, without reservations."

Last month an official of the Lebanese presidential office accused Chirac of personally supervising a group working with the parliamentary majority to oust Lahoud.

The French leader, who had a close friendship with Hariri, renewed his support for the country's freedom and independence making a special dedication for those who died trying to reach that goal.

"Those defending Lebanon's freedom and independence have paid a high price. I respect their sacrifices and affirm my solidarity with their families in this difficult period," Chirac said.

"As for those who were behind the assassination they should know that the defenders of Lebanon's independence are not alone. The international community is with them and it is determined to succeed," he added.

Syria was blamed for Hariri's Feb. 14, 2005 assassination in a massive Beirut bombing that killed 21 other people, including his top economic advisor Bassel Fleihan. Syria, that denies the allegations, withdrew its forces from the neighboring country in response to mass demonstrations and an international pressure.

Beirut, 04 Mar 06, 08:22


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