U.S. Official Says Presidential Polls Not Ultimate Problem Solver

The U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs has reiterated Washington's support for Lebanon to meet the challenges it is facing and said the presidential elections would not solve all of the country's issues.

Lawrence Silverman said on Thursday at a conference organized by the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce in New York that the U.S. stands by Lebanon to confront the challenges it is facing as a result of conflicts in the region.

He also said Washington supports Lebanese authorities against efforts aimed at pushing the country into the region's conflicts as a result of extremism.

He stressed that the election of a new president would not solve all of Lebanon's problems. But it would be an important and essential step in the right direction.

Baabda Palace has been vacant since President Michel Suleiman's term ended in May 2014.

Silverman told the conference that the U.S. backs the Lebanese army and security forces in their war against extremists who are reaching Lebanon from Syria.

“We stand by you in confronting a common enemy,” he said.

Silverman urged Lebanese state institutions to put all their potential in confronting the challenges. Such a move requires officials to put the nation's interest before other interests, he added.

G.K.

H.K.