'We want stability in Lebanon and an end to bloodshed in Syria'

Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr spent his first day in Beirut exploring the situation in Lebanon and the region. Amr visited a number of political and party figures, most importantly the Speaker of Parliament Nabieh Berri. Afterwards, he met with the heads of the Lebanese Phalanges, Lebanese Forces and Free Patriotic Movement Parties. He also spoke at length with Representative Walid Jumblatt over the telephone as the latter was in a different part of Lebanon and unable to return on time.
Speaker of Parliament Nabieh Berri received this afternoon in Ain Al-Teena by the Egyptian Foreign Minister and the accompanying delegation and Egyptian Ambassador Ashraf Hamdy in the presence of Judge Ali Hamdan. The Egyptian Minister ate lunch with his hosts after the 90-minute meeting. He spoke later saying: “We forwarded the greetings of President Morsi as well as the Egyptian government and people to all our brothers and sisters in Lebanon through Berri.”
Calling the meeting “fruitful,” the Foreign Minister added: “We spoke on many subjects both to do with Lebanese-Egyptian relations and regional issue,” stressing that “although Egypt is going through a huge transformational phase, we are going down the right path - that of democracy, especially now after the Presidential elections and the appointment of a new government.” The events in Egypt, he said, "have not and will not prevent us from upholding its positions and supporting its partners, especially in the Arab region, and Lebanon, of course, is at the top of our priorities.”
On the question of Syria, he referred to the situation as “a tragedy that touches the heart of every Arab,” adding “precious Syrian blood is being shed on a daily basis.” He referred to President Morsi’s efforts in the Syrian question, which he said included proposing an initiative at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation exceptional summit held in Mecca that includes what we see as the four active countries: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Egypt.”
The initiative is discussion-based, as Amr insisted that the problem is not “a closed circle,” but “a kernel that can attract all parties who see a chance of resolution.”He also mentioned that his recent talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Labrov included the Syrian matter, adding that Russia is “giving priority to the Geneva agreement rather than the Egyptian initiative, which we won’t mind.” He added: “we support anything that could lead to a solution and stop the flow of blood.”
Answering a question on the Lebanese crisis, Amr said “The solution to the crisis must come from the Lebanese people themselves.”
In the evening, Amir and the delegation accompanying him met with the leader of the Change and Reform bloc, Commander Michel Aoun following a bloc meeting. Michel de Chadarevia, the bloc’s diplomatic officer, also attended.
Speaking after this meeting, Amr said: “I have been looking forward to meeting Commander Aoun since my arrival in Lebanon this morning,” emphasising the “deep and close” relationship between Egypt and Lebanon.
The Foreign Minister declared his objective as “the return of Egypt’s central role” in the region, as reflected in “President Morsi’s initial foreign visits to our neighbours in Ethiopia and the KSA and the Arab area in general.” He placed his visit to Lebanon within the same context and highlighting his country’s “willingness to give Lebanon any help needed, as long as they are agreed upon it.” Again offering assistance, he said “we are here ready to exert any effort requested of us by our Lebanese brothers.” He also expressed support of “harmony” in the country.
The Egypt top diplomat also spoke on the phone with the head of the Progressive Socialist Part, Walid Jumblatt. A statement by the party reported that Jumblatt was elsewhere in the country and Foreign Minister Amr’s busy schedule made a meeting impossible. Jumblatt apologised for his absence.
The telephone call emphasised the importance of stability in Lebanon as Jumblatt repeated his mantra that it is vital for Lebanon not to fall into the abyss at any cost, expressing openness to the formulation of a unity government without the condition of the current government’s resignation. Jumblatt promised the Egyptian minister to visit Cairo at a later date for further discussions.