Introduction to the evening news 25 10 2011

3^min

An American diplomatic retreat and attack in Beirut: After Washington announced that its Ambassador to Damascus Robert Ford was not officially pulled out but simply recalled to Washington for consultations and will be back after a short break, Beirut received a visit from a top U.S. diplomat.

The U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs conveyed to Lebanese officials the necessity of fulfilling all international commitments including Lebanon’s commitment to cooperate with and fund the STL. He also reiterated that it is important to guarantee that instability in Syria does not lead to tension in Lebanon. This firm, but worn, message from the U.S. came only hours after similar, but indirect, warnings conveyed by the American Ambassador to the government and Hezbollah by way of a meeting with Michel Aoun, who said today that he is not against the STL in principle but opposed to funding it as it has not passed through the proper channels of the Lebanese constitution.

What is also mentionable regarding the visit by the U.S. official is his meeting with the Banque du Liban governor amid the repeated U.S. reiterations that Lebanon should not be the financial lungs through which the Syrian regime can steal a breath.

This U.S. activity in Lebanon filled the empty space left by officials busy participating in mourning activities for the Saudi Crown Prince today and tomorrow. Also, the funeral of Crown Prince Sultan drew, once again, the well-known funeral diplomacy despite escalating tension in the region.

Iran, accused of plotting to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to Washington according to the U.S., was represented at the funeral by a delegation led by the minister of foreign affairs. As for troubled Syria, they were represented by Vice-President Farouk al-Sharaa, while it is still unknown if President Assad will play his part in funeral diplomacy by paying his condolences visit in the next few days.

And Lebanon, it participated through a delegation led by PM Najib Mikati on his maiden voyage to Saudi Arabia on an official visit. Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri was also in attendance and will head his own March 14 delegation scheduled to leave Beirut tomorrow on a private jet.

President Michel Sleiman will also head a parliamentary and ministerial delegation to offer their condolences to the Saudi leadership.