U.S. Slams Syrian 'Campaign of Intimidation' against Lebanon
A U.S. official has condemned the “campaign of intimidation and threats” carried out by the Syrian regime against Lebanon, saying it is a sign of Damascus' failure to abide by U.N. Security Council resolutions.
The official also slammed in remarks published in An Nahar daily on Sunday the letter sent by Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem on June 13 to his Lebanese counterpart Adnan Mansour.
He said the letter included veiled threats to Lebanon a day after the air raids on the northeastern town of Arsal.
“Such threats are clear examples of the Syrian regime's failure to abide by Security Council resolution 1559, 1680 and 1701,” the official said on condition of anonymity.
He urged all parties in the region to steer clear of attempts to drag Lebanon to the Syrian conflict.
Mansour revealed on Thursday that Muallem called on the Lebanese army to "control the border to preserve security and stability.”
The Syrian FM also urged the Lebanese authorities to "take the necessary measures that strengthen the joint efforts … to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the two states."
A Syrian helicopter gunship bombed Arsal on Wednesday, prompting the Lebanese army to issue an unprecedented statement in which it warned that it will immediately retaliate to any future attacks.
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