Lebanon does not want any interference in internal affairs,
visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora told reporters in
Moscow on Friday.
Lebanon wants to have perfect relations with Iran, but "we do
not want anybody to use Lebanon as an arena for fighting other
states. Lebanon is our homeland, it is not an arena for murders,"
Siniora was quoted by the Itar-Tass news agency as saying.
"We hear statements from time to time, which show the wish to
interfere in our internal affairs. Certain politicians are
recalling the times before the Syrian pullout from Lebanon. I would
like to stress once again that Lebanon is an independent country,"
he said.
As for the relations with Syria, Siniora said, "Beirut wants
open and fair relations, which are targeted for mutual respect and
friendship between Syrian and Lebanese peoples."
Lebanon has not hostile relations with anyone but Israel,
Siniora said. "Lebanon is not a member of any conflicting blocs or
groups. We are ready to make friends with anyone ready to befriend
Lebanon. We want to start negotiations with our brothers in Iran
and Syria," he said.
"At the same time, the Lebanese administration is determined to
ensure national interests," he said.
The problem of Hezbollah disarmament is an internal affair of
Lebanon, which is being resolved through dialog, Siniora said.
"We have always confirmed our loyalty to international
resolutions, and have been fulfilling them for years," he said.
"However, I think that the problem of Hezbollah disarmament is an
internal affair, which is being resolved through internal
dialog."
A part of Lebanese territory was occupied, Siniora said. He
called on Israel "to leave the Lebanese territory and abide by all
clauses of UN Security Council resolution 1701."
"We seek the rapprochement of Lebanese forces and won't take
steps that may build up internal tensions," Siniora said.
(Xinhua News Agency December 16, 2006)
