Bassil Says Meeting with Muallem Held According to Norms, Rejects Criticism

إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية W460

Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil lashed out at critics, saying that his meeting with his Syrian counterpart Walid Muallem in New York was held according to norms.

“The meeting was supposed to happen and it did,” Bassil told reporters in France.

The minister, who is a Free Patriotic Movement official, stressed that Lebanon will not request the international coalition against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria to carry out any raids against jihadists, who are taking positions on the outskirts of the northeastern border town of Arsal, despite attending the Jeddah meet and signing the final statement.

“The Lebanese army has enough capabilities to deal with the matter... Its role shouldn't be questioned,” Bassil told reporters.

Asked about Hizbullah's ties with the FPM, the minister said that there are several points of contention.

“Having different points of view is normal... But we have an agreement to work together and not against each other.”

Last week, Bassil held a meeting with Muallem on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly meeting in New York.

It is considered a rare meeting between a Lebanese official and a representative of the Syrian government.

Concerning the visit carried out by the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, Bassil welcomed any military assistance offered to the Lebanese army.

“Any unconditional grant for Lebanon is welcomed.”

Shamkhani's announcement came following talks with Prime Minister Tammam Salam at the Grand Serail on Tuesday. He also held talks with Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Tehran has offered help in the past but such offers did not materialize because of sharp divisions among Lebanese political groups over Iran.

For the past two months, the Lebanese army has been fighting Jihadists near the border with Syria. In early August, extremists crossed into Lebanon from Syria, capturing several soldiers and policemen.

Concerning the $3 billion arms deal financed by Riyadh, Bassil expressed relief that there are no obstacles impeding the delivery to the Lebanese army.

The deal is for military equipment and arms to be supplied to Lebanon's army.

H.K.

G.K.

Comments 21
Thumb ex-fpm 01 October 2014, 09:12

No it was not according to the 'norms'... perhaps the FPM norms, yes. The norms do NOT say " We understand each other without having to meet and thru the eyes". The norms do not call for violating the dissociation policy and if you do then you have to meet with the opposition too. Your norms are similar to the other norms you have forced by proxy of the power of weapons and left Lebanon without a Christian president, a weak army, and barely glued together institutions.

Thumb EagleDawn 01 October 2014, 10:37

this has to be your best comment in all the years you have been writing propaganda on this site, and I will tell you why: First, it relates to the article. Second, it is based on "facts" and not personal attacks. Third, it shows who you really are! As usual, you exceed your own expectations.

Default-user-icon lou williams (Guest) 01 October 2014, 11:25

another day another dollar as flamethrower embarks on yet another marathon day of propaganda posting.

Missing rami 01 October 2014, 12:12

The Lebanese press said it all in one title: "Diplomatic Disgrace".

Default-user-icon dailystar (Guest) 01 October 2014, 12:42

but you and mowaten always quote the dailystar when you want to substantiate your propaganda

Missing imagine_1979 01 October 2014, 12:35

Muallem is the representant of a criminal regime, criminal in the eyes of thousand of persecuted lebanese threw the last decdes, criminal threw the eyes of the palestenians (spliting fateh/fateh intifada, spliting fplp/fplpl general command.., criminal in the eyes of the syrian people i would hv gave u human right watch, amnesty international but u will juge as propaganda and use sana/al manar to back up ur deluional ideas..
And in anyway the official position of lebanon is dissociation so what the hell??? Mansour the return???
Chupachups southern... As usual...
Brw hv u seen ziad el rahbani interview?... Even ziad acknowledge hezbollah dangerou action on lebanese society, now ziad will become a traitor/sionist/imperialist/neonazi/ksa... to?

Thumb .Mehdi 01 October 2014, 15:10

Southern the Lebanese forces were in their infancy when the Syrians were "invited" and Bashir was actually against it, you must mean the Lebanese front. Also no one "invited" the Syrians, Hafez offered the "help end the war" and the Lebanese Front and Imam Mussa Sadr (following a five day retreat & meditation) accepted, while Kamal Jumblat, LNM and the PLO refused. Besides the Syrian army was already in Lebanon involved directly and indirectly in the war from day one on the side of the PLO and LNM.

Thumb cash.puppet 01 October 2014, 19:38

imagine spare us please. If Assads regime is criminal (and Im not saying its not) then what about our politicians? Should we claim they arent criminals and thus are not the legitimate leaders of Lebanon? Because Im on board, and that includes Saad and Geagea the criminals whom you probably call leaders. Double standards, hypocrisy, the sure signs of a propagandist.

Thumb thepatriot 01 October 2014, 10:16

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Sep-29/272378-bassil-engages-in-scandalous-diplomacy.ashx#axzz3EnomPUj5

Thumb EagleDawn 01 October 2014, 10:38

flamethrower is franticly trying to delete your comment as we speak.

Thumb cash.puppet 01 October 2014, 19:40

yes norma jean prefers white mass murderers.

Thumb barrymore 01 October 2014, 10:18

Absolute disgrace to have a Foreign minister with such moral values and attitude towards women. He must have some serious character issues to deal with.

Thumb thepatriot 01 October 2014, 10:26

The norm... says only elected PM should be ministers... Bassil NEVER won an election...

Missing imagine_1979 01 October 2014, 12:38

U meen like berri, frangieh, mrad, hesbos... Most march8 do?...
U are right this is our best alternative, all democrates, secular, modern, civilized...
Bravo flame, u win a chupachups for ur wonderfull comment....

Thumb thepatriot 01 October 2014, 15:53

Brilliant FT... of course... m14 "buys" their way into parliament, but not m8..... gentil m8... mechant m14.... Go watch Baby Einstein FT!!

Default-user-icon Aoun (Guest) 01 October 2014, 15:53

"Sha2fi coraleen"
shame on you!

Thumb lubnani.masi7i 01 October 2014, 16:37

Bassil's behavior at that meeting is despicable and unacceptable. He should immediately resign if he had any self respect. Our women politicians are not a commodity for Bassil to sell in his bazaar.

Thumb gma-bs-artist. 01 October 2014, 13:06

Ladies and gentlemen I give you the audition tape of the new co-star of The Hangover IV..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-shB8u8mNY

Thumb eli-g 01 October 2014, 14:13

what a shamefull coment degrading to a woman and so unbecoming of a statesman.

Default-user-icon Michkine (Guest) 01 October 2014, 17:26

Démissionne !!
Honte à toi

Thumb nickjames 01 October 2014, 19:32

“The Lebanese army has enough capabilities to deal with the matter... Its role shouldn't be questioned,” Bassil told reporters.
--Are you sure, Bassil? This entire summer you've been begging for assistance. Did the $2 million from the Netherlands satisfy the LAF's needs?

“Having different points of view is normal... But we have an agreement to work together and not against each other.”
--So which positions did the Aouniyeh fighters take up in the assault of Qusayr?