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Last update - 07:15 29/03/2008 Siniora accuses Syria of blocking elections, deepening crisis By The Associated Press Tags: Lebanon, Siniora, Syria  Lebanon's prime minister accused Syria on Friday of blocking the election of a new Lebanese president and deepening the country's 16-month political crisis through its interference in the country's internal affairs. Fuad Siniora said Lebanon decided earlier this week to boycott this weekend's Arab summit in the Syrian capital of Damascus because Beirut is usually represented by its president. "The direct reason for not attending this summit is to assert that Lebanon is naturally represented, at any Arab summit, by its president," Siniora said in a televised speech addressed to the Arab leaders on the eve of their two-day summit that begins Saturday. Advertisement Lebanon has been without a president since pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud's ended his term last November without a successor elected. Lebanon's sharply divided parliament has failed to elect compromise candidate army commander Gen. Michel Suleiman as president because the anti-Syrian parliamentary majority and the Syrian-backed opposition remain deadlocked over the shape of the future government. "It is regrettable that four months have passed with the vacuum in the president's post ... and Syria has played, during and before this period, a major role in deepening the political crisis in Lebanon," said Siniora, standing in front of a nearly a dozen Lebanese flags. Siniora also accused Syria of blocking an Arab initiative to end the crisis, as well as efforts by the head of the Arab League to find a solution between rival Lebanese groups. He called on Damascus to open a new page between the two countries. Several Arab leaders, including those of heavyweights Egypt and Saudi Arabia, are not attending the summit to protest Syria's policies in many parts of the region, including in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. Saudi Arabia and Jordan will be represented by their representatives at the Arab League, while Egypt has sent a minister of state as a head of its delegation. Siniora urged Arab officials attending the summit to focus on the Syrian-Lebanese crisis and to call for an Arab foreign ministers meeting as soon as possible to solve disagreements between the two countries. Anti-Syrian politicians accuse Syria of being behind bombings that killed dozens of Lebanese in the past four years, including the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Syria has denied the charges, but the killing led to local and international pressure that forced Damascus to end a 29-year military presence in Lebanon. Related articles: UN report: Hariri tribunal should be located outside of Lebanon Lebanese government approves UN draft on Hariri tribunal Tests indicate Hariri killer was man aged 20-25, not Lebanese Despite rumors of rift, Syria invites Saudi Arabia to Arab summit Arab FMs re-endorse 2002 Saudi peace initiative ANALYSIS: Isolating Syria serves to highlight its importance PM says worried Russian weapons will reach Hezbollah Bookmark to del.icio.us   Terror online Israel posts clips on YouTube of J'lem yeshiva terror attack. Remembering Gaza Knesset approves bill to commemorate the Jewish settlements of Gush Katif.   1.   A good man in a hard place 05:34  |  Mark Lincoln 29/03/08   2.   CHRISTIANS, NOT SYRIANS THE REAL PROBLEM 21:33  |  Arik Silverman 29/03/08

Today Online Dutch MP's anti-Islam film shows clerics' calls to behead Jews Responses: 533 Hamas gets Iranian plans for improved Qassams Responses: 143 Avigdor Lieberman: Israel's minorities must be loyal to the Jewish state Responses: 113 UN: Ex-Lebanon PM Hariri killed by criminal network Responses: 103 Ex-Muslim says converted to Christianity due to Islam's anti-Zionism Responses: 148 Rosner's Domain 38% for pressuring Palestinians, 25% for pressuring Israel (WTR) Bush is still determined not to repeat Clinton's mistakes Poll: what percentage Jews will vote McCain? New pro-Israel-pro-peace dovish lobby ready to launch (WTR) Obama rejects advisor's comments on American Jews and peace process More Headlines 21:04 At Syria summit, Abbas calls for Arab troops in Palestinian territories 19:04 Meshal: Shalit talks deadlocked due to Israeli intransigence 21:24 Two Gazans lightly hurt in IAF strike; Qassam hits Negev 20:13 Israeli Arabs mark 32nd annual Land Day with Wadi Ara, Negev protests 10:53 Obama likens his foreign policy to that of Bush Sr., JFK, Reagan 09:08 Avram Grant: the man the Israeli media loves to hate 19:47 UN: Former Lebanon PM Hariri killed by criminal network 20:47 3-year-old boy critically injured as father runs him over 14:06 Security guard, 62, found dead in Tel Aviv; police suspect murder 12:22 Jewish detractor of Putin disappears from Berlin home 09:10 The gospel according to Allam 07:46 ANALYSIS: Isolating Syria serves to highlight its importance Previous Editions Select Day 28 mar 27 mar 26 mar 25 mar 24 mar 23 mar 21 mar 20 mar 19 mar 18 mar 17 mar 16 mar

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