Syrian Ambassador: Miqati is Keen on Controlling Border

Premier Najib Miqati expressed his keenness on controlling the border with Syria and preventing the smuggling of gunmen and weapons, Syrian Ambassador Ali Abdul Karim Ali said Monday.

“Discussions with the PM focused on the situation on the border and the premier expressed his keenness on the necessity for the army and security forces to carry out their duties in controlling the border and preventing the smuggling of gunmen and arms,” Ali told reporters following talks with Miqati at the Grand Serail.

He also said that it was the duty of Lebanese armed forces to cooperate with the Syrian security agencies in that regard.

“I expressed to him (Miqati) our comfort at the … balanced policy adopted by President Bashar Assad to come out of this crisis through strength and wisdom,” Ali added.

His meeting with Miqati came after the Lebanese army released 28 Syrians, who were detained on Sunday for carrying arms after crossing illegally into Lebanon, An Nahar newspaper reported.

The military had detained 35 but 28 of them were released after investigators found out that they haven’t used their weapons in Lebanon or Syria.

Ali also made his comments after U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly encouraged the Lebanese government to continue its cooperation with the international community and provide for the humanitarian needs and safety of all Syrians who have fled to Lebanon, including dissenters and deserters.