Mansour Refuses to Compare Syrian Shelling of Lebanese Territory to Israeli Assaults
Caretaker Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour stressed on Sunday the need for Lebanon to enjoy a strong army “capable of deterring any Israeli assault,” reported Voice of Lebanon radio (93.3).
He told the radio: “We should not compare Syria's actions towards Lebanon to Israeli assaults against the country.”
“The developments along the border with Syria are temporary, while those with Israel stretch back across history,” he added.
Lebanese areas bordering Syria have frequently come under shelling from the neighboring country as part of the ongoing conflict between the Damascus regime and rebels.
Furthermore, Mansour thanked Saudi Arabia for its grant to the Lebanese army, saying: “The donation is dedicated to the whole of Lebanon and not one political camp against the other.”
President Michel Suleiman announced in December that Saudi Arabia decided to donate three billion dollars with the aim of purchasing French weapons for the Lebanese army as soon as possible.
Addressing the upcoming presidential elections, Mansour ruled out the possibility that Suleiman's term would be extended.
Asked if he thinks that Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji will run for president, he replied: “He represents a national institution that the Lebanese people look up to.”
“Qahwaji is keen on Lebanon's sovereignty and stability,” he noted.
“He assured the Lebanese people during his last speech that the army will remain the sole guarantor of peace should the presidential elections be postponed,” said the minister.
Suleiman's six-year term ends in spring amid growing fears that the ongoing disputes between the March 8 and 14 camps will result in the postponement of the elections.
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