BEIRUT: A state-run Syrian newspaper has dismissed US accusations that Syria was undermining Lebanon’s independence and sovereignty, calling the claims “irresponsible.”
Tishrin newspaper said Sunday the accusations reflect a “pure Israeli will” and that US policies lack credibility.
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Watan newspaper said in its Saturday issue that the deadlock in Lebanon has reached a “dangerous stage.”
Tensions have mounted in Lebanon over the indictment to be issued by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) probing the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
In statements made to reporters at the UN this week, US Ambassador Susan Rice singled out Syria and said it displayed a “flagrant disregard” for Lebanon’s sovereignty and political independence.
She accused Syria of providing weapons to Hizbullah and other Palestinian militias in violation of a UN resolution.
Tishrin said the US accusations were in “full harmony” with Israel’s regional policies.
Last week, the US vowed continued support for the STL, accusing Hizbullah of “intimidation” in urging a boycott.
Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah warned all Lebanese Thursday not to help investigators probing the 2005 killing, saying that such cooperation would be tantamount to an attack on the resistance.
Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah warned all Lebanese Thursday not to help investigators probing the 2005 killing, saying that such cooperation would be tantamount to an attack on the resistance.
His speech came one day after two STL investigators and their interpreter were attacked by women at a gynecology clinic in a Hizbullah-controlled southern suburb of Beirut.
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Watan newspaper described Nasrallah’s comments as an attempt to “impede justice,” adding that the truth will be revealed “sooner or later.”
“Nasrallah’s remarks are an indication of how Hizbullah does not have the interest of all the Lebanese people in mind,” State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters.
“It has a narrow agenda and we will do everything that we can to help the Lebanese government and Lebanese people resist this obvious intimidation.” –AP, with The Daily Star
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