Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel received visiting U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Hale and Ambassador Michele Sison Saturday saying: "Since Lebanon is prisoner to axis policies, with the presence of an armed group that places the country in [axis], Lebanon shall continue to suffer from surrounding dangers."
He stressed the dire need for March 14 Forces to maintain a parliamentary majority "capable of holding the decisions of war and peace."
Hale affirmed the "solid" U.S. stance toward Lebanon; he briefed Gemayel of his recent visit to Saudi Arabia and reiterated the need for Lebanon to hold "honest and transparent parliamentary elections."