Arab countries are united in opposing possible US strikes against their fellow Arab League member Iraq even before their summit begins in Beirut this week, the summit's host, Lebanese President Emile Lahoud, said in remarks published in Riyadh Saturday.
"I believe that a united position on this issue (possible US strikes on Iraq) has been taken even before the start of the Arab summit" in Beirut on Wednesday, Lahoud told the Al-Riyadh newspaper.
"Not a single Arab state approves of the United States, or any of its allies, launching strikes against any Arab land without legitimate reason. The United States must realize the scope of responsibility resulting from such a strike, under any pretext or banner," Lahoud added, according to the daily cited by AFP.
"Fighting terrorism" or the "axis of evil" are attractive banners which influence American and Western public opinion, the Lebanese president said.
"But no crimes should be committed under such banners," he made clear.
Lahoud called on the United States to desist from its "double standard policy of fighting terrorism in one region ... while overlooking the state terrorism (practiced) by Israel against us."
Several Arab countries voiced their opposition to a US military offensive against Baghdad during US Vice President Dick Cheney's tour of the region earlier this month. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
