Ackerman Reaffirmed to March 14 U.S. Commitment to Lebanon as Berri Refused to Meet Him
A U.S. congressional delegation has reaffirmed during its meeting with the majority March 14 coalition the new U.S. administration”s commitment to support Lebanon while Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri refused to meet the team led by Gary Ackerman.
The daily As Safir on Monday said the delegation”s visit to Beirut remains a matter in question concerning the political dimensions of the trip and its background "particularly since head of the delegation Gary Ackerman is known for taking hostile stances against the resistance and the opposition."
Asked for clarification, Berri said: "Yes, I refused to receive them."
Ackerman chairs the House of Representatives Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia. The delegation also included Congressmen Jeff Flake (Republican), Joe Wilson (Republican), Brian Higgins (Democrat), and Ron Klein (Democrat).
As Safir said the delegation had asked for a meeting with Berri prior to its Beirut visit, but that the Speaker totally rejected this idea "especially since Ackerman himself had a while ago launched a vehement attack on March 8 Forces and the Lebanese opposition, particularly AMAL Movement, Hizbullah and the Free Patriotic Movement, saying they lick Syrian shoes."
"What is the meaning of this visit and what do they want?" Berri commented when the delegation suggested it meets with him.
As Safir said the delegation has reiterated to the Secretariat General of the majority March 14 alliance the new U.S. administration”s commitment to support Lebanon.
The delegation on Saturday met Suleiman at the Presidential Palace in Baabda.
Ackerman said after the meeting that the recent election of President-elect Barack Obama would not affect the United States” "support" for Lebanon.
"Obama”s election will not roll back U.S. support to Lebanon”s unity, independence, and sovereignty," he said.
"Despite all speculations, there is a kind of consensus between the Democrats and Republicans regarding this issue and I expect no changes in our policy," Ackerman added.
He said the delegation”s visit was also to assure Washington”s "friends in Lebanon" that Obama”s policy in the Middle East would adhere more firmly to diplomacy and negotiations without putting Lebanon”s future in jeopardy.
"I am also looking forward to working with the next administration to upgrade the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces," he said. "The LAF had proved itself on more than one occasion and I believe that it deserves our support as well as that of the international community."
The delegation met with Prime Minister Fouad Saniora as well as parliamentary majority leader Saad Hariri and Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Jean Qahwaji.
Ackerman said after meeting Hariri that the likelihood of holding talks between the U.S. and Syria would not alter the course of the international tribunal to try suspects in the murder of Hariri”s father, ex-Premier Rafik Hariri.
The delegation left Beirut on board of a U.S. military helicopter to Cyprus.