Shapiro Reiterated U.S. Support to Lebanon
U.S. Director of Near East Affairs at the National Security Council Daniel Shapiro reiterated his country”s support to Lebanon in all fields, particularly in the military and security fields to preserve civil peace and control Lebanese borders.
Shapiro who visited Beirut on Friday, met with President Michel Suleiman, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Fouad Saniora and Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri.
During his meetings Shapiro stressed efforts by U.S. Special envoy to the Middle East George Mitchel in reviving the Middle East peace process.
President Suleiman reiterated Lebanon”s stance in having a full, just and comprehensive peace, adding that any peace formula that falls short of providing the Palestinians with their right of return is doomed to remain incomplete. The president also stressed the need for Israel to fully respect and implement United Nations Security Council resolution 1701.
Shapiro later met with Defense Minister Elias Murr, discussions focused on U.S. military aid to the Lebanese armed forces.