Auchi: Frank and constructive talks with Assad, Lahoud and other Lebanese and Syrian leaders.

 
LONDON - The Anglo Arab Organisation, headed by Nadhmi Auchi, sponsored in the past few days, visits made by a delegation of British and European MPs to Lebanon and Syria, in a bid to cool off tensions in the region by prompting Europe to play a positive role in the region instead of adding fuel to the current crises.

"The visit was successful", noted Nadhmi Auchi, the President of the Anglo Arab Organisation, adding that, “members of the parliamentary delegation had listened to various points of view when they met the political leaders in Lebanon and Syria, and have acquired now a deeper understanding of the type of problems the region faces in general.”

“The delegation’s meetings with President Lahoud and President Assad were frank and constructive. Also, Prime Minister Siniora had expressed his vision for a solution to the current crisis in an objective manner that does not undermine the historic ties between Lebanon and Syria,” Auchi added.

The President of the Anglo Arab Organisation pointed out that the delegation, during its fact finding mission to the region, had held many meetings with important officials in Lebanon and Syria included, Lebanese Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Barri, Syrian Vice President Faruq Al-Shara, Syrian Parliamentary Speaker Mahmous Al-Abrash, Syrian Prime Minister Naji Al-Otari, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al-Moallem, and Syian Information Minister Mohsen Bilal.

The aim of the initial visits was to introduce a delegation of British and European MPs to the views of the people and the leaders in Lebanon and Syria, giving them first hand experience of the nature of events in the region, away from the usually misguiding fragmented media reports they are exposed to, noted Auchi.

“It is vital that Europe listens to the views of the leaders and politicians of the region and to know what is going on. The media coverage of events in the Middle East is fragmented and biased. The Anglo Arab Organisation aims to fill that information gap and aims to devise new methods of promoting better understanding,” said Auchi.
Auchi hopes that once the delegation gets a clearer picture of events in the region, they will be able to pass on their views to their governments, enlightening those governments on how to tackle the situation best and avoid future provocative methods that would only lead to further escalations.

However, the President of the Anglo Arab Organisation maintained that the visits are but an initial aspect of a larger plan which aims to strengthen ties between the Arab world and the West economically, culturally, and politically.

The delegation was formed of the former President of the European Commission and former Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Jacques Santer, former Head of the Scottish Parliament Lord David Steel, British independent MP and former Secretary of State for International Development Clare Short, John Grogan, MP, John Mann, MP, from Britain’s ruling Labour Party, Laurence Robertson, MP, Tim Yeo, MP, from Britain’s Conservative Party, Irish Senator Donal Lydon, Vice President of Luxembourg Parliament Laurent Mosar, MP, President of the Anglo Arab Organisation Nadhmi Auchi, Secretary General Maha Al Fakier, and Executive Officer Ibtisam Auchi.

During its first leg, the British-European Parliamentary delegation visited Lebanon, where meetings with the country’s President, Prime Minister, and Parliamentary Speaker were held.

The Lebanese President Emile Lahoud had assured members of the delegation that his country would not slip into civil war, but stressed that only a just and comprehensive peace based on international law could bring stability and prosperity to the region.

The British-European Parliamentary delegation showed optimism after meeting Lebanon Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Barri and other Lebanese MPs.

The former President of the European Commission and former Luxembourg Prime Minister Jacques Santer said, “The current political crisis must be resolved through dialogue between all of the Lebanese parties. We will not interfere in Lebanon internal affairs, but we do look forward to rebuilding the country and to the Paris III conference.” “Lebanon Parliamentary Democracy has a vital role in the region, which we appreciate very much,” said the former Speaker of the Scottish Parliament Lord David Steel, adding, “We came here to take a closer look at the crisis in Lebanon. We are not here to interfere with the country’s internal affairs, but to show solidarity with the people of Lebanon.”

Sources in the delegation confirmed that Siniora is keen to find a solution to the political impasse in Lebanon. They also confirmed that the Lebanese Prime Minister is ready to meet Syrian officials to resolve many of the outstanding issues between the two countries.

Auchi said, “The meeting with Prime Minister Siniora was constructive. After extensive discussions, we have reason to be, for the first time, very optimistic. Mr. Sinora shares our hope in finding a solution to the current crisis since we are all eager to reach an agreement and all concessions that would be made are for the sake of Lebanon and the interests of its people. The deteriorating economic situation is unbearable and the people of Lebanon are waiting for their leaders to come up with a solution. We are anticipating a positive outcome.”

During its second leg, members of the delegation visited Syria where they met the country’s President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Parliamentary Speaker, Foreign and Information ministers and other key officials.

“Syria is firm in backing the Iraqi political process and we support whatever position Palestinians agree on,” said the Syrian President to the delegation.

Jacques Santer and a number of the delegation’s members described the meeting with the Syrian President as positive, emphasizing the important role Damascus plays in the region.

At the end of the visit, Auchi stressed the importance of strengthening the routes of dialogue and abstaining from the threat of use of force, if we were to reach any solid peaceful settlement in the region.  (Middle East Online)