Sleiman: “Syria’s fire” could spread to Lebanon, Arab states should not fuel it

President Michel Sleiman stressed on Monday that “everyone in Syria wants democracy,” adding that the Syrian people should only stick to the positive international intervention and steer clear off the “negative” interference.

During his meeting with a delegation of Arab ambassadors to Australia, the president warned that the “fire in Syria could spread to Lebanon”, calling on the Arab states to assume their responsibility in “putting out this fire, or at least refraining from fueling it.”

Sleiman confirmed the importance of finding a fair and comprehensive solution for all Middle East conflicts.

During a banquet hosted by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard in the president’s honor, Sleiman explained that “such a solution requires a political decision and real international determination to provide the proper levers that would put pressure on all sides to commit to the principles of a solution based on international resolutions, the Madrid conference and the Arab peace initiative.”

In turn, Gillard highlighted the importance of the history of friendship and cooperation between Lebanon and Australia, adding that her country looks forward to enhance these ties.