"Asking Syria to combat Hezbollah is a gross mistake": Ex-Lebanese PM Siniora

"Asking Syria to combat Hezbollah in Lebanon is gross mistake": Former Lebanese PM Siniora on Trump's remarks

Beirut, June 17

Speaking to ANI, Siniora said that US President Trump's assessment of the situation in Lebanon was only partly accurate, agreeing with the US President's criticism of Israel's military actions while rejecting any proposal for Syrian involvement.

"Fifty per cent in criticising the role being taken by the Israelis in maintaining their aggression against Lebanon. So he is correct in addressing Netanyahu about this matter. But he is very incorrect in talking about the involvement of Syria in the affairs of Lebanon, and to really see what role it can play in combating Hezbollah in Lebanon," Siniora said.

The former prime minister stressed that most Lebanese support strengthening state authority and ensuring that weapons remain solely under the control of the state.

"For sure, the majority of the Lebanese do want to have the state to be in control, and there shouldn't be any weapons in the hands of any armed groups, militarised armed groups in Lebanon like Hezbollah," he said.

However, Siniora warned that turning to Syria to address the issue would be counterproductive. "Asking Syria to play a role in this, I think, is a gross mistake. It really tells that probably President Trump is not well briefed about the situation in the region in general and in Lebanon in particular," he said.

Recalling Syria's previous influence in Lebanon, Siniora said the experience remains deeply unpopular among the Lebanese public. "Syria was involved at one time in Lebanon, and everybody is regretting that experience in saying that it shouldn't be repeated," he said.

Drawing on a quote often attributed to Albert Einstein, Siniora added, "Doing the same thing and expecting different results in solving a certain problem, it is sheer madness."

"Syria has bad memories in Lebanon and the Lebanese have bad memories about the involvement of Syria in Lebanon," he said.

According to Siniora, renewed Syrian involvement would not only fail to solve Lebanon's challenges but could aggravate political tensions and instability. "Syria does not want, and it cannot really get involved in Lebanon, and, effectively, if it does, it will complicate the matter further. More than this, it will create political and internal strife and sedition in the country," he said.

He also expressed doubt that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa would be willing to pursue such a course. "I don't think that the Syrians and President Sharaa are ready for this step, and I don't think that he wants this step," Siniora said.

Instead of looking to Damascus, Siniora urged Washington to strengthen support for Lebanon's legitimate institutions and security forces. "I believe that the United States, if it wants to help Lebanon, then it has to extend more help to the Lebanese government, to the legitimate Lebanese government, and to the president and the prime minister of Lebanon," he said.

He called on the US to increase pressure on Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory and provide greater assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

"This help is very important, political help by putting more pressure on the Israelis to start withdrawing from parts of Lebanon. At the same time, extend help to the Lebanese army so that the Lebanese army can play its role in really controlling the areas which Israel has to withdraw from," Siniora added.

— ANI