Connelly Urges Lebanese Officials to Back Suleiman

U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly has expressed hope that Lebanese officials would support President Michel Suleiman in his efforts to defend Lebanon’s sovereignty.

In remarks to An Nahar newspaper published on Sunday, Connelly said Suleiman is reacting positively to the concerns expressed by the Lebanese and does not await the results of the Syrian crisis to defend Lebanon's independence, sovereignty and stability.

The ambassador reiterated the U.S. commitment to build the capabilities of the Lebanese army.

But she expressed frustration at the extension of parliament's mandate which she said would prevent lawmakers from hearing the assessment of the electorates on their performance.

In late May, MPs voted overwhelmingly in favor of extending the legislature's mandate by a period of 17 months after they failed to agree on a new electoral law.

The U.S. ambassador also criticized Hizbullah, saying it quickly undermined its credibility in Lebanon and in Europe.

Hizbullah has been criticized by Suleiman and the March 14 alliance for taking part in the battles alongside Syrian troops fighting rebels seeking to overthrow President Bashar Assad.

Last month, EU foreign ministers added the party's military wing to the list of its terror organizations.

Connelly has been visiting Lebanese officials as her mission nears to end. She will be replaced by David Hale as the next U.S. ambassador to Lebanon.