Ghazi Al Aridi, the Lebanese information minister, said his country will also stay away from preparatory meetings, Alsumaria TV in Iraq reported Wednesday.

Arab foreign ministers are expected to discuss Lebanon on Thursday at a preliminary meeting, Naharnet reported. The basis of the discussion is a document supporting the government of Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

Aridi accused Syria of preventing Lebanon from holding a presidential election and fomenting popular distrust of institutions like the army and police.