Lebanon boycotts US conference over Israeli invite

The Lebanese government has boycotted a US conference on countering terrorism due to the presence of Israel, Qods News Agency reports.

White House said it has received an official apology from Lebanon on its participation in a conference on "efforts to counter violent extremism,” because it cannot be a “partner with Israel in confronting terrorism.”

Naharnet quoted anonymous sources as saying that the invitation was addressed to Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil and Interior Minister Nouhad Mashnouq.

“Lebanon, represented by its Foreign Minister, apologized for the participation in the conference after consultations with the PM because Lebanon cannot be a partner with Israel in confronting terrorism,” Mashnouq told al-Safir.

“Everybody in Lebanon knows that the Israeli policy is at the basis of the terrorist ideology and its growth in the region,” added Mashnouq.

“Lebanon has informed some Arab delegations that it does not participate in meetings involving Israel unless it is under the United Nations and affiliated international institutions' umbrella,” As Safir quoted diplomatic sources as saying.