BEIRUT, Lebanon, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- A former Lebanese president said Monday it was time for a re-examination of the bilateral relationship with the government of Syria.
Former Lebanese President Amin Gemayel, leader of the opposition Phalange party, said alleged terror plots in the country involving a high-ranking Syrian official meant it was time to reconsider diplomatic ties.
"In light of the recent (events), we should reconsider our official relations with the Syrian regime and its present officials," he was quoted by Lebanese newspaper The Daily Star as saying.
Former Interior Minister Michel Samaha and Syrian Maj. Gen. Ali Mamlouk were charged last week in Lebanon with plotting to assassinate key political figures and launch terrorist attacks in the country.
Syria had considerable influence over Lebanon's political affairs before the latter's Cedar Revolution in 2005.
The U.S. Treasury Department last week targeted Lebanese movement Hezbollah with supporting the Syrian crackdown, saying the Shiite group and Iranian ally was providing training for Syrian forces.
"Hezbollah's extensive support to the Syrian government's violent suppression of the Syrian people exposes the true nature of this terrorist organization and its destabilizing presence in the region," Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David Cohen said in a statement.
