Syrian Ambassador: Syria Has No Enemies in Lebanon, Formal Coordination Solves Refugee Crisis

Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdul Karim Ali stated that Syria “has no enemies in Lebanon,” pointing out that the Syrian refugees crisis can only be solved “through coordination between the two governments”, al-Akhbar daily reported on Wednesday.

In an interview to the daily, the Ambassador said: “We are depending on the positions of President Michel Aoun and Speaker Nabih,” as for Lebanon’s stance regarding the refugees crisis.

To solve the crisis, Ali reiterated Syria’s position saying: “There must be official coordination between the two countries. We appreciate the efforts of Major General Abbas Ibrahim which contribute to solving the problem, but these efforts must be carried out at a more formal level.”

To a question on whether Syria rejoices the loss of some parties in Lebanon’s legislative elections, he said: “We have no enemies in Lebanon. We hope that some forces will reconsider their positions and think in the interest of the two countries which have the same origins, roots and traditions, history and a common future.”

“We are happy with the election results. The new (electoral law) despite its flaws rectifies part of the real Lebanese representation,” he added.

Describing the Lebanese-Syrian ties, he said: “Official relations are incomplete and ignore the agreements signed between the two countries. In 2009, the Lebanese-Syrian agreements were reviewed and it was found that they were fair to Lebanon at the expense of Syria, yet Syria remained steadfast.”