U.S. Official Reiterates Support for Institutions, Rejection of Any Settlement at Lebanon”s Expense
A State Department official has reiterated the U.S. stance that Washington is ready to work with President Michel Suleiman to reinforce Lebanese state institutions in the objective of achieving peace and stability in Lebanon and the region.
The official told pan-Arab daily al-Hayat that since President Barack Obama came to office, Washington was clear through several visits of U.S. officials to Lebanon that the U.S. backs constitutional institutions, rejects any settlement at the expense of the country”s sovereignty particularly in the peace process and the issue of Palestinian refugees.
Al-Hayat”s source also expected Suleiman to discuss with U.S. officials in Washington mainly about military aid to Lebanon and issues related to the peace process and the implementation of international resolutions on Lebanon.
Suleiman”s visit "reflects the strong bilateral ties between the U.S. and Lebanon," the official said, adding that such relations have been consolidated in the past five years through U.S. assistance to Lebanon that has exceeded $1.2 billion, including $500 million of security and military aid.