Doha: The Lebanese Prime Minister, Tammam Salam, yesterday described his talks with the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as constructive, saying he discussed issues of concern to both countries and the region.
He told a press conference yesterday that the spirit of brotherhood and transparency dominated the talks. He said the Emir and
H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Interior Minister, expressed support for Lebanon.
Talks focused on issues as a result of the uneasy situation in the region which had its impact on Lebanon, such as the Syrian refugees and the need to help ease their suffering and strengthen Lebanon’s role, in addition to the issue of the Lebanese soldiers abducted by terrorists.
He said the Emir expressed Qatar’s willingness to help alleviate the crisis, as Lebanon is home to about 1.3 million Syrian refugees.
Salam praised Qatar’s support, saying it is not limited to a certain issue, project or stance but covered several aspects that are of concern to both countries. “We came to Doha to extend our thanks to Qatar for its support to and solidarity with Lebanon and the Lebanese people over the past years,” he said. The issue of the abducted soldiers facing inhumane killing is delicate and requires careful handling and patience, he said, adding it is putting burden on everyone, especially their families.
Freeing them safe requires internal unity, Salam said, adding the assistance of the ‘brothers’ in Qatar can make a difference. “We must ask our brothers in Qatar to help us out of this crisis,” he said, adding the Emir has been following up the issue. Salam said the General Director of General Security of Lebanon, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, will stay in Doha to follow up the issue.
There are intentions, determination and hard work to resolve the issue, he said, vowing to make every effort. The issue requires secrecy to facilitate its handling with every available means, he said. Salam said Lebanon-Qatar relations are deep-rooted and this is evident in many aspects. “It is natural that our brothers in Qatar react and respond to different Lebanese issues and concerns.”
He said Lebanon is a target of terrorists and his country would spare no effort to confront terrorism and cooperate with those concerned. On priorities for Lebanon, Salam referred to the election of a new president and said the political issue was a priority, along with security concerns. He highlighted the Lebanese army’s role in combating terrorism and praised Saudi support. QNA
