Attacks in Lebanon, as president Suleiman arrives in Damascus
Beirut (AsiaNews) - A bomb in the north, in Tripoli, has killed at least 14 and wounded more than 40, while another, near the Palestinian refugee camp of Ain al-Hilweh, near Sidon in southern Lebanon, did not kill or wound anyone. Early conjectures point to a possible retaliation on the part of Fatah Islam, the group linked to Al Qaeda that last year, in the nearby camp of Nahar el-Bared, saw its militants pinned down and wiped out by the Lebanese army. Soldiers - nine of them, it seems - are in fact the majority of today's victims.
It may only be a coincidence, but the bombs marked the arrival of Lebanese president Michel Suleiman in Damascus, for a visit of noteworthy importance for the future of his country.
The Syrian welcome for the Lebanese head of state has been positive. The official Syrian newspaper Tishrin says it expects "past mistakes to be overcome . . . by establishing diplomatic relations" based on "respect, friendship and coordination". Lebanon and Syria, in fact, have never had diplomatic relations since France left territory, united at the time, 60 years ago. The state-owned newspaper Ath-Thawra writes that "Syria will listen carefully to Michel Suleiman. There will be a dialogue capable of solving all pending issues".
President Bashar al-Assad thus seems to want to establish friendly relations. But after the pleasant words, the results are still to be seen.
Meanwhile, Damascus has united in condemning the attack, with all of the political parties at home and abroad joining their voices. The Arab League and Europe call the bombing in Tripoli a "criminal" terrorist attack. According to the initial investigation, the bomb was placed in a back left near a bus stop. The victim toll was high because of the crowds of people going to work.
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