Welch Supports “Lebanonization” of Government Institutions and Army
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch expressed his country”s support of Lebanese state institutions.
His remarks were published on Monday by the daily An-Nahar.
When asked by An-Nahar to respond to statements made last Friday by his deputy David Hale that the Lebanese army was previously subject to a process of "Syrianization," while others are talking about "Americanization" of the Lebanese Armed Forces, he said:
"I don”t believe in either process. The Lebanese army is not only owned by the Lebanese people, but also represents and protects them. What we are asking is the Lebanonization of government institutions including the army."
Welch was speaking to An-Nahar on the sidelines of the “Future Forum” in Abu Dhabi Sunday.
He expressed his country”s desire for expanding the circle of peace in the region.
"There is no reason preventing Lebanon and Israel from sitting together and maybe in an indirect manner to look at their problems," Welch said.
The U.S. official described the establishment of Lebanese-Syrian diplomatic relations as "positive," hoping that both countries would witness "other understandings."
Welch pointed that foreign U.S. policy will not change regardless of whether Democrats or Republicans win the White House race.