Opinion | Editorials
Summit boycott will deepen schism
Lebanon could have used Arab League meeting to end the ongoing deadlock.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:17 March 27, 2008
The announcement by the Lebanese government that it is boycotting the upcoming Arab League Summit is disappointing, as any discussion taking place at the meeting would concern the country more so than any other issue.
Regardless of the positions Lebanon has adopted on the political crisis it is currently facing, adopting a policy of boycott will not bring about any solutions.
Lebanon recognises very well that the deadlock engulfing the internal political scene is not favourable as the repercussions could only complicate the situation further. The no-agreement, no-solution and no-outcome approach between the differing parties has brought about more harm than benefit.
The Lebanese stance nullifies many issues concerning the country, which was supposed to be brought forward for discussion at the summit. In fact, with Lebanon boycotting the meeting, along with Saudi Arabia and Egypt, it becomes questionable as to what the summit will be able to achieve when it meets in Damascus next Saturday.
The meet could have surely been utilised as a tool for bringing about resolutions and an end to the ongoing deadlock. The possible failure of the summit should not be taken lightly as it will only deepen divisions, heighten tensions and bring about further instability.
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