Kerry to Visit Beirut Wednesday for Several Hours
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is scheduled to visit Beirut on Wednesday, in his first trip to Lebanon since assuming his post in 2013.
“Kerry will arrive in Beirut tomorrow for a several-hour visit during which he will meet with Prime Minister Tammam Salam,” LBCI TV reported.
Al-Jadeed television also confirmed that the top U.S. diplomat will visit Lebanon.
On Thursday, Kerry had emphasized during a telephone call with former President Michel Suleiman the need to elect his successor as soon as possible.
The U.S. official also voiced his country's support for the Baabda Declaration.
For his part, Suleiman reminded Kerry of the burden Syrian refugees are posing on Lebanon.
Suleiman's six-year term ended on May 25. The parliament failed to elect a successor despite having held five electoral sessions, amid a boycott by the March 8 coalition.
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale has said that “as Lebanese parliament continues efforts to elect a president, the U.S. will continue its strong partnership with the Lebanese people, leaders and institutions."
Y.R.
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