Naharnet

Bassil Says Shebaa Farms, Kfarshouba Hills are 'Lebanese Land'

Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil stressed Friday that the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms and Kfarshouba Hills are “Lebanese land,” during a visit to Bulgaria.

“This land is Lebanese and our people have proved their ability to preserve their rights. Occupation will not have a place on our soil,” Bassil said, responding to a reporter's question on the fate of the Shebaa Farms and the Kfarshouba Hills in the wake of the U.S. recognition of Israel's sovereignty over Syria's Golan Heights.

Asked whether he intends to visit Syria, Bassil said: “It will happen at the right time and according to Lebanon's interests, in a manner that would lead to opening lifelines through Syria for the Lebanese economy.”

According to the National News Agency, Bassil held talks in Sofia with Bulgaria's president, parliament speaker and foreign minister.

“The meetings focused on the political and economic files between Europe, Lebanon and the Middle East in general, in addition to the bilateral ties with their economic, political and cultural aspects, on the eve of the Bulgarian president's visit to Lebanon,” NNA said.

“As for the Syrian refugee file, it was the most discussed topic in Bassil's talks with Bulgaria's top officials,” the agency added, noting that Bassil's Bulgarian counterpart informed him of her support for “the Lebanese stance that calls for resolving the refugee crisis through securing a safe and dignified return for them to their country.”

Source: Naharnet


Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/258369