Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam emphasized tonight that the law holding Syria accountable will not affect his country, either near or far. He noted that taking any measures against Syria will be against the interests of those who take them. Khaddam made this statement to journalists after meeting with a group of Iraqi intellectuals. He stated that no country can punish another country, and any actions against Syria will ultimately harm the interests of the aggressor.
Regarding demands for Syria to leave Lebanon, Khaddam asserted that “Lebanon has a legitimate state and is a member of the United Nations. Therefore, Lebanon and the Lebanese cannot be dictated to by others.”
On the recent meetings between Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and several Arab leaders, Khaddam explained that these meetings are for coordination and consultation on issues that will be raised during the Arab summit to be held at the end of this month in Tunisia. The Syrian President had recently met separately with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, the Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and made a brief visit to Riyadh, during which he met with the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chief of the Saudi National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
