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Mansour: Lebanon will not support decisions condemning Syria
September 11, 2011

Minister of Foreign Affairs Adnan Mansour said on Sunday that Lebanon will not support any decision that condemns Syria, in reference to a potential UN Security Council draft resolution against the Damascus regime.

The cabinet’s decision is “clear” and Lebanon will not support any decision that harms Syria’s stability and security, Mansour told New TV.

He also commended Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rai’s recent statements on Syria, calling them responsible.

The Patriarch said on Thursday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is “open-minded” and should be given more chances to implement reforms.

“Rai’s statements are those of a responsible man who maturely looks into the future.”

Commenting on criticisms against the Patriarch, Mansour said Lebanon is a democratic country and others’ opinions should be accepted.

Many figures, particularly March 14 Christians, have criticized Rai’s statements that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is “open-minded” and should be given more chances to implement reforms.

Assad’s troops have cracked down on protests against almost five decades of Baath Party rule which broke out mid-March, killing over 2,200 people and triggering a torrent of international condemnation.


-NOW Lebanon