Hale Says Presidential Election Lebanese Process, U.S. Only Assists in its Protection

U.S. Ambassador David Hale said Friday that the presidential election is a Lebanese matter and that Washington's role lies in helping to protect the polls.

“Lebanon’s presidential election, and its parliamentary elections this fall, are entirely Lebanese processes,” Hale said after holding talks with Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh.

“The Lebanese must choose their leaders.  And those leaders will have serious work ahead of them,” he said.

“We have no role in picking or choosing a candidate, nor should any other foreign power.  It is only the right - and the responsibility - of the Lebanese,” he stressed.

The role of the United States lies in assisting the Lebanese to protect the elections so that a president is elected by them, according to the constitution, and on time, he said.

“The international community, and certainly the U.S., need representative Lebanese partners if we are to help this country,” he added.

Hale also lauded Berri and other political leaders for the seriousness with which they are addressing the elections.

G.K.

D.A.