Albright Meets Lebanese Officials as Part of Poll-monitoring Mission
Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met with Lebanese officials on Wednesday to discuss election-related issues.
Albright arrived in Beirut Tuesday with an international observation delegation ahead of the June 7 parliamentary elections.
She is co-leading the high-profile team to assess preparations for the polls on behalf of the National Democratic Institute (NDI).
NDI, an international non-governmental organization committed to supporting and strengthening democratic institutions worldwide, has operated in Lebanon since 1996, working with Lebanese civil society groups to reform the country”s political system.
Albright met on Wednesday with Interior Minister Ziad Baroud and toured the ministry”s elections center.
Baroud announced that in addition to local NGOs, five parties will monitor the elections: The European Union, the Arab League, the Carter Foundation, the National Democratic Institute and the Turkish government.
Albright also met with President Michel Suleiman and is scheduled to hold talks with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea later Wednesday.