BEIRUT, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Tuesday that he will not oppose visiting Syria if this move does not expose Lebanon to sanctions, the National News Agency reported.

"I do not object to visiting Syria and cooperating with it if this does not risk exposing Lebanon to sanctions. If Lebanon risks facing sanctions in light of any possible visit to Syria, then I will not allow it to happen," Mikati said following his meeting with House Speaker Nabih Berri.

Mikati added that Lebanon's cooperation with Syria is based on the historical and geographic ties between the two countries.

Mikati also noted that Caesar's Law does not impact Lebanon, but it targets those who deal with Syria.

Following the eruption of the Syrian war, Lebanon has not cut diplomatic or trade ties with Syria, but has kept the relations at "arm's length," avoiding official contacts with the Syrian government.

But some political parties in Lebanon, including Hezbollah, have been pushing the government into normalizing ties with Syria.

Syria has recently agreed to allow gas and electricity to pass through its territory from Egypt and Jordan to help Lebanon tackle its energy crisis. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)