Visiting U.S. Military Commander Meets Top Lebanese Officials
Gen. David Petraeus, the head of the U.S. military”s Central Command, arrived in Beirut on Tuesday and went into talks with President Michel Suleiman at Baabda Palace, the state-run National News Agency said.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon said in a statement the United States donated more then $410 million worth of military aid to the Lebanese army.
At the meeting, attended by U.S. Ambassador Michele Sison, Suleiman reiterated concerns over the Israeli prime minister”s recent policy speech which "constitutes a flagrant interference in domestic affairs and a rejection of the Arab peace initiative."
The Lebanese leader said he feared PM Benjamin Netanyahu”s policies will "terminate the peace process, lead to the neutralization of Palestinian refugees and deprive them from their rights especially their right to return to their homeland."
Suleiman also underlined the United States” "essential role in pushing the region toward a comprehensive and just peace."
He thanked the U.S. administration for its military support which helps the Lebanese army "maintain civil peace and defend Lebanon in the face of any aggression."
For his part, Patraeus praised Suleiman for "the manner in which the (June 7) elections were held" and hoped for "the formation of a government as soon as possible," the NNA reported.
He noted "a significant improvement on the Lebanese domestic front since his visit last year" and renewed U.S. commitment to provide military and humanitarian assistance to Lebanon.
Later, Petraeus briefed Premier-designate Saad Hariri on the situation in Afghanistan and in Iraq where American troops are withdrawing from cities, the U.S. top official told reporters after the meeting.
He said he told Hariri it was "very heartening" to watch the June 7 parliamentary elections in Lebanon.
Patraeus also held talks with outgoing Prime Minister Fouad Saniora at the latter”s residence in Bliss Street.
Petraeus concluded his tour Tuesday with separate talks with Defense Minister Elias Murr and Army Commander Gen. Jean Qahwaji.
The U.S. commander said he discussed with his Lebanese counterpart ways to "complete the delivery of U.S. military aid for the Lebanese army.".