Lebanon and U.S. differed over Lebanon’s relationship with Syria

Beirut - Taqrib News Agency - (TNA) - Lebanon is not under any obligation to back members of the Syrian opposition, Lebanese Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn said.

"U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly and her country can back members of the Syrian opposition, but that does not necessarily oblige Lebanon and its army to do anything," Ghosn said.

Earlier this week, the U.S. envoy emphasized the importance her government put on the Lebanese Army providing protection for members of the Syrian opposition and refugees living in Lebanon" in a bid to put pressure on Lebanon.

The defense minister stated that the Lebanese army is immune to foreign interference and would act to curtail the smuggling of arms into Syria.

"The Lebanese army is above any interference that would affect its course, strength and history and the army is doing its job on the border within its capabilities to thwart operations of smuggling arms into Syria that are used against the Syrian people," Ghosn, a member of the Marada Movement, added.

The defense minister’s comments came following statements by Prime Minister Najib Mikati that appeared to be aimed at reassuring concerns by Washington.

Ghosn said during his meeting with Connelly, the two had differed over Lebanon’s relationship with Syria.

Lebanon Tuesday abstained from voting on a U.N. Security Council Resolution against Syria.

However, Lebanese government view that the anti-government protests sweeping the country are part of a foreign conspiracy targeting the country’s government for its alliance with Hezbollah and Iran.

Ghosn also said that Lebanon would reject any military aid that came with conditions attached, referring to U.S. aid to Lebanon.

“Lebanon rejects any offer of conditional military aid from any source,” Ghosn said.

The minister’s comments come as Lebanese Army commander Gen. Jean Kawhagi prepares for a visit to the United States this month where he is expected to meet U.S. Army officials and is likely discuss military assistance to Lebanon.