Syrian Diplomat Says Embassy in Lebanon Committed to Norms
Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdul Karim Ali stressed on Thursday that his embassy is committed to the Lebanese diplomatic norms, urging the end of alleged arms smuggling to Damascus for having negative impact on the bilateral ties between the two countries.
“Those who are calling for my expulsion have hidden motives that has nothing to do with constitution, the brother-ties between the two countries nor with the behavior of our mission,” Ali told reporters at Bustros Palace after holding talks with Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour.
On Saturday, Phalange Party and National Liberal Party protesters considered the ambassador a “persona non grata,” calling on the diplomat to halt his interference in the Lebanese local affairs.
On the condition of the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Ali called on authorities to harbor all Syrian refugees fleeing the violence in their country.
“We are coordinating with the Lebanese foreign ministry and the government to find common ground that ensures the best ways to aid the Syrian refugees” currently in Lebanon, he said.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees estimates there are 200,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
Asked about claims that extremist groups are entering Syria through the Lebanese border and terrorists are crossing into Lebanon as part of the refugee flow, the Syrian ambassador blamed the international and Lebanese media outlets for such reports.
“It is in the best interest of Lebanon, Syria and all those who are keen to maintain peace and coexistence in the region not to facilitate the matter for Takfiri and extremist groups,” Ali added.
Syrian state-run media outlets continuously report that regime forces are thwarting attempts by “terrorist groups” to infiltrate into Syria from Lebanese territories.
Ever since the outbreak of the anti-regime revolt in Syria in March 2011, multiple exchanges of fire have taken place across the Lebanese-Syrian border.
The Syrian army has also frequently staged incursions into Lebanese territory and fired shells across the border.
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