US Embassy welcomes formation of new government
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut on Saturday welcomed the formation of a new government in Lebanon, despite the latest remarks by Deputy U.S. Envoy for Middle East Morgan Ortagus, who warned against Hezbollah’s participation in the new cabinet.
“The Lebanese people deserve a government that will rebuild Lebanese state institutions, fight corruption, and implement needed reforms,” the Embassy said in post on the X platform.
“We urge drafting of a ministerial statement that helps Lebanon turn the corner and chart a path toward achieving these objectives,” it added.
Though Hezbollah did not endorse Salam as prime minister, the Lebanese group did engage in negotiations with the new prime minister over the Shiite Muslim seats in government, as per Lebanon's power-sharing system.
That was despite comments by Ortagus who said in a speech in Beirut Friday that Washington had "set clear red lines from the United States" that Hezbollah would not be "a part of the government." The comments drew backlash from many in Lebanon who saw them as meddling in internal Lebanese affairs.
Lebanon's new authorities also mark a shift away from leaders that are close to Hezbollah, as Beirut hopes to continue improving ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations that have been concerned by Hezbollah's growing political and military power over the past decade.
