Asad Gave No Date for Withdrawal

After demands for an immediate withdrawal, the US and Israel found the statement ‘insufficient’, saying that ‘there was nothing new’. On the other side, the European Union (EU) and Lebanon opposition welcomed the statement with ‘a sober positiveness’. Explaining Bessar Asad’s remarks, the Syrian President Busayna Saban said they wanted to withdraw the troops ‘to the Syrian side of the border’ as soon as possible.

Observers comment that the Damascus administration, which received tremendous pressure even from Russia and Arabic countries, wants to withdraw from Lebanon immediately ‘with their honor’. It is indicated that in this framework, a concrete decision about the issue will come from the Arabic Union Summit to be held on March 22.

Asad disclosed that he would meet with the Lebanese President Emil Lahud to approve the withdrawal plan early next week. Indicating that obeying the call of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, the expectations of the international circles would be met, Asad said: "If the Lebanese people reach a consensus, we will not stay even for a moment. We do not want to stay."