As the Syria-host 20th Arab Summit is imminent, analysts in Beirut see little hope for breakthrough of the lasting Lebanese political crisis over its presidential election during the summit.
Lebanon boycotts Arab summit
The Lebanese government decided to boycott the summit in Damascus on Tuesday, just one day after Saudi Arabia decided to lower the rank of its representation at the summit, which reflects tension between Saudi Arabia and Syria over the deep political crisis in Lebanon.
The Lebanese government's statement following the boycott decision urged "Arab brothers to shepherd a sound Lebanese-Syrian relation" and help Lebanon spread its sovereignty over its territory.
The boycott decision, according to the statement, was adopted in light of blocking presidential elections in Lebanon and in an expression of Lebanese discontentment with the existing presidential vacancy.
Arab League (AL) Secretary General Amr Moussa said Tuesday after meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad that Lebanon's crisis will be discussed at the summit even if Lebanon is absent.
But local political analyst Wassef Awada told Xinhua that "There won't be any change in the nature of the Lebanese crisis after the Arab summit convenes."
However, it is very unimaginable that a summit without Lebanon can find a solution for Lebanese crisis.
No essential development expected
Lebanon is currently facing the most serious political deadlock since the end of the 1975-1990 civil war. For the first time in its history, the presidential seat has been vacant since Nov. 24 of 2007 when former President Emile Lahoud stepped down.
Lebanese political rival groups were unable to reach a breakthrough, despite intensive Arab efforts to resolve the crisis.
