Mashnouq from UAE: ISG Statement Can Heal Lebanese-Arab Rift

Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq has announced that the latest statement of the International Support Group for Lebanon has the ability to heal the rift between Lebanon and some Arab states.

“The ISG statement through its firm text, and should there be honest intentions and an honest will, can represent a real solution for the dangerous flaw in the Lebanese-Arab ties,” said Mashnouq during a visit to the UAE.

“The president must shoulder the responsibility of protecting the Taef Accord and the Arab League charter and he must be a spearhead in the protection of Lebanon’s relations with its Arab neighbors,” the minister urged.

Following a Paris meeting aimed at rallying support for Lebanon, the ISG on Friday expressed “satisfaction for the return to Beirut of Prime Minister Saad Hariri” and reiterated “the need for full implementation and full respect of all U.N. Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701 (2006).”

“The Group recalls the need to protect Lebanon from the crises that are destabilizing the Middle East and calls upon all regional States and organizations to work for the political, social, economic, and financial stability and security of Lebanon, in full respect of its sovereignty and integrity,” it added.