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Lebanon should 'safeguard unity'

Jane McintoshJune 9, 2012

At the end of a two day visit to Lebanon, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle expressed concerns over the conflict in Syria spilling over into Lebanon.

https://p.dw.com/p/15BFd
Lebanese President Michel Suleiman (L) meets with German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle
Image: picture alliance / ZUMAPRESS.com

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle urged all parties to do whatever it takes to safeguard Lebanon's unity and not to take sides in the conflict in neighboring Syria.

During his visit, the foreign minister met with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman.

Westerwelle confirmed Germany's support for UN-Arab League peace envoy Kofi Annan's mission in Syria. He said a political solution for the 15-month-long crisis was still possible and necessary.

During a television interview earlier in the week, Westerwelle said further measures needed to be taken via the European Union and the UN to put pressure on the Syrian government.

Westerwelle said Germany was using diplomatic channels to persuade Russia to change its stance on the Syrian conflict.

jm/sb (Reuters, AFP, dpa)