Yesterday, a delegation from the Association of Independent Maronite MPs, including Minister Elias El-Khazen and MPs Osguet Bacchus and Peter Harb, visited Damascus. They held a meeting with Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam, which lasted from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. Later, the delegation proceeded to the headquarters of Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, where they had a meeting lasting three and a half hours. According to an official Syrian source quoted by AFP, President Hafez Al-Assad reassured the delegation of the Assembly of Independent Maronite MPs that Syria supports the work of the legitimate authority and all Lebanese brothers in implementing the National Accord Document and extending authority.
The source added that the meeting, attended by Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam, focused on the situation in Lebanon and the measures taken by the legitimate authority to implement the Lebanese government’s plan related to the Taif Document. Prior to that, the delegation met with Mr. Khaddam. Sources from the gathering confirmed to Al-Diyar that the meetings with Syrian officials were highly significant and positive. They observed a clear and serious Syrian stance in terms of supporting legitimacy, the Taif Agreement, and absolute support for the implementation of the Ministerial Statement. The sources indicated that Syrian officials expressed their full readiness to support any decision made by the Lebanese government in any field, even if it required isolating General Aoun. They emphasized that the previous engagement with General Aoun and forgiving his past positions was intended solely to provide an opportunity for him to participate in a solution. However, his refusal to do so led the Syrian leadership to consider that keeping the door open for General Aoun was a waste of time and futile. According to Syrian officials, General Aoun sent several messages to Syrian officials to inquire about the direction of matters and coordinate positions. However, when Damascus initiated positive developments and began a certain dialogue, he evaded, which the Syrian leadership perceived as a maneuver and an attempt to buy time.