Ali: Lebanese Officials Must Reconsider Accusations against us by Resorting to Constitution

by Naharnet Newsdesk 18 October 2011, 12:02

Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdul Karim Ali questioned on Tuesday criticism by some Lebanese officials that have accused his embassy of being behind the disappearance of Syrian opposition members in Lebanon.

He said after holding talks with former Prime Minister Salim Hoss: “I don’t want to dwell on the details of this dispute, but I will renew my call for some sides to reconsider their positions based on the Lebanese constitution and cooperation agreements between Lebanon and Syria.”

“I wonder at the fact that this call would be interpreted as meddling in Lebanese internal affairs,” added the ambassador.

“This in itself is a sufficient response to the criticism,” Ali stated.

“We are keen on establishing the best fraternal ties with Lebanon … and cooperation between Lebanon and Syria will positively reflect on the interests and security of the two countries, especially against Israel and the confrontation that is being prepared for them,” he stressed.

On Friday, Ali denied reports that his embassy was behind the disappearance of Syrian opposition members who had gone missing in Lebanon, calling such accusations "unfounded."

"I am puzzled by these unfounded claims that have been attributed to the police chief," the ambassador said.

He accused some Lebanese officials and MPs of seeking to undermine his country, where the regime of President Bashar Assad is in the throes of a brutal crackdown aimed at crushing an eight-month-long revolt.

Ali was referring to Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi who last week said that the ISF collected "dangerous information" linking the Syrian Embassy to the disappearance of Shebli al- Aisamy.

Aisamy, 86, is a co-founder of Syria's ruling Baath party who fled his native country in 1966 over political differences. He was last seen in May in the eastern Lebanese region of Aley.

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