Mansour stresses importance of Lebanon’s participation in Geneva II peace talks

Lebanese caretaker Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour said Friday that Lebanon will take part in the Geneva II peace talks, noting that the country is highly concerned with this issue since it is coping with the Syrian war’s repercussions.

However, Mansour pointed out that the Lebanese authorities have not yet received an invitation to attend the conference.

In a statement to Voice of Lebanon radio station, Mansour said that he has not yet held discussions with other political officials regarding the participation in the peace talks, stressing the importance of attending such a conference in order to find solutions for the security, political and living crises resulting from the Syrian war.

“How can Lebanon bear the burden of 1.3 million Syrian refugees while trying to control the security situation, which is at stake in the North and the Bekaa,” Mansour asked.

On the other hand, Mansour said that Lebanon does not recognize the stances launched by the Arab League against Syria, stressing that the Geneva II conference will not take measures against Syria without the approval of the Syrian government.

On another note, Mansour denied reports stating that the United Nations envoy Lakhdar Brahimi will visit Lebanon, adding that the latter’s visit to the region will be limited to two countries.