"Lebanon's absence is a statement that this is not a normal state of affairs," Chatah said.

"We want to voice a national concern in rejection of the fact that Lebanon continues to be without a president months after the scheduled election," he added.

Chatah was referring to a standoff between the government and the Iranian and Syrian backed Hezbollah-led opposition that has left Lebanon without a president since November 23, 2007, when pro-Syrian president Emile Lahoud stepped down at the end of his term.

Chatah made the statement prior to the decision by the cabinet . The cabinet is currently in session and the decision is expected later on Tuesday

In a related development Syrian president Bashar al Assad met Arab League chief Amr Moussa today in Damascus. Moussa said that Assad told him that he is eager to "strengthen Arab solidarity." According to Syrian government owned news agency SANA
There is confusion on Damascus about assuming the presidency of the summit by Syria , since Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Bin Abdel Aziz will be boycotting the summit and according to the protocol he is supposed to hand over the presidency to Assad. But according to Damascus sources the Arab League chief will act on Saudi king's behalf and hand over the presidency to Assad.

Moussa expressed on his arrival in Damascus Monday evening the hope that Lebanon will not be absent from the Arab summit.

Moussa stated that "the Arab summit will give a new impetus to the Arab initiative on Lebanon."

But the Syrian government newspaper Tishrin said Monday that the conference would be primarily directed "against the stands and policies" of the United States in the region, mainly in Iraq and the Palestinian territories. This could mean that Iran will take over the summit according to observers and it could be a waste of time for many countries especially Lebanon.

Both Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak and Saudi Arabian king Abdullah decided to boycott the summit and send low level delegations.

Samir Geagea , leader of the Lebanese Forces and a key member of the ruling majority said " Lebanon's participation amounts to giving the Syrian regime a certificate of innocence "

Picture: The Lebanon seat is empty during a meeting of representative for the Arab League to prepare for the upcoming Arab summit in Damascus March 24, 2008. Photo courtesy of Reuters

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