Assad’s allies in Lebanon seek Syria’s return to Arab League

Lebanese allies of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad are pushing to readmit Syria into the Arab League by urging Lebanon’s government to invite Damascus to the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit in Beirut this month.

Hezbollah said that Lebanon’s northern neighbour should take part in the event at a time when a move to reinstate Syria’s membership in the League is gaining momentum.

Last month, the UAE reopened its embassy in Damascus after seven years and Bahrain said it would soon restore its mission to the country. Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir also visited Damascus in the first official visit by an Arab League leader since the start of the war.

A statement by Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc on Thursday said that Lebanon should take advantage of the reconciliatory attitudes of Arab states to quicken Syria’s reintegration into the Arab fold.

“Current developments are creating a positive Arab atmosphere that is seeing Arab states rushing back to Damascus,” said the statement, which was carried by the state-run National News Agency.

“As Syria’s closest neighbour and considering the country’s interests, Lebanon should be at the forefront of efforts to reinforce and strengthen this atmosphere,” the statement said.

Hezbollah is the second Lebanese ally of Mr Assad to urge the country’s government to invite Damascus to the forum, which will bring together member states of the Arab League.

Earlier this week, acting Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil – a member of the proAssad Amal Movement – said that Lebanon should amend its official position towards Syria by inviting the country to participate in the forum. “Any summit without Syria would be meaningless,” said Mr Khalil.

Lebanon’s official policy towards the war in Syria is “dissociation” – a term used by the government to underscore a position of neutrality towards the conflict. However, the war has always been a divisive issue among Lebanese political groups.

Hezbollah sent fighters to the country to defend the Syrian government. On the other hand, Lebanon’s largest Sunni bloc – and Hezbollah’s primary rival – the Future Movement, sided with the Syrian opposition, supporting international calls to overthrow the government in Damascus.

Hezbollah on Thursday said the restoration of diplomatic ties between the Arab world and Damascus was a victory for the Lebanese resistance.