Mansour: Self-distancing policy doesn't mean to be a false witness

Minister of Expatriates and Foreign Affairs in the Lebanese caretaker government, Adnan Mansour, stressed that the Arab League, since the beginning of the crisis in Syria, has not taken a clear consistent stance that reflects the situation in Syria or helps in finding a proper solution to the crisis. "The Lebanese state has adhered to the self-distance policy regarding what is happening in Syria, but this doesn't mean to be a false witness," Mansour said in an interview with the Lebanese al-Manar TV broadcast Sunday. He clarified that Lebanon has to convey its own point of view and not back what others say, adding that Lebanon has to comment on the instigative speeches and sectarian mobilization that is going on at the Arab League (AL). "When I hear a speech that is contrary to the reality and truth, I can't keep silent and I feel I should explain the facts," Mansour said. The Lebanese Minister pointed out that his latest speech at the Arab League explained the situation in Syria in detail and its repercussions on the situation in Lebanon on the various levels, particularly in terms of the displaced and the arms smuggled into Syria, rejecting the accusations directed against the Lebanese Resistance. "Today we should change the equation in the region because we are in front of a real fact, which is 'no war without Syria and no peace without Syria'," Mansour said, noting that what is taking place today is "an attempt to impose the Israeli status quo on the region." He expressed his wonder at some who say that the crisis in Syria is an internal one, saying "If this is really so, then why is this huge number of fighters who entered Syria coming from more than 40 countries." Mansour warned that the region is going through "a very serious stage", stressing that the downfall of Syria would mean the downfall of the entire region.