Hale Urges Parliament to Elect President, Stresses Right to Peaceful Protest

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale called Thursday for the speedy election of a new Lebanese president as he highlighted the importance of protecting the right to “peaceful, non-violent protest.”

“America welcomes any efforts to reactivate a functioning government and cabinet. But there is a deeper issue. As the members of the U.N. Security Council reiterated yesterday, now is the time for parliament to meet and elect a president of the republic as soon as possible,” said Hale after meeting Salam at the Grand Serail.

“The international community’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and stability is as strong as ever,” he underlined.

The country has been without a president since Michel Suleiman's term ended in May 2014. Political disputes and electoral rivalry have prevented quorum in more than 20 electoral sessions in parliament.

This week, Speaker Nabih Berri called for a national dialogue conference on September 9 with an agenda that will tackle the presidential void, the work of the cabinet and the parliament, a new electoral law, legislation allowing Lebanese expats to obtain the nationality, administrative decentralization and ways to support the army and the Internal Security Forces.

Turning to the street protests that Lebanon has witnessed in recent weeks, Hale said he discussed with Salam “the importance of one of our shared core values, the right of free speech and assembly.”

“Peaceful, non-violent protest is an integral part of our two nations' histories, and enshrined in both of our constitutions,” he added.

“Citizens everywhere look to the state to protect their right to free speech and assembly; and citizens everywhere have a responsibility to exercise their right peacefully and responsibly,” said Hale.

He also pointed out that “accountability is expected when either side transgresses rights or responsibilities.”

“During these difficult times, Lebanon’s people, leaders, and institutions should come together, not pull apart,” Hale went on to say.

A growing protest campaign that began with frustration over rubbish collection has ballooned into anger at a stagnant and corrupt political class.

On Tuesday night, the situation turned briefly violent when police ejected several dozen protesters from the "You Stink" campaign who had occupied part of the environment ministry to press the minister to resign.

Several demonstrations have also been marred with clashes between protesters and security forces. Scores of civilians and policemen were injured in the confrontations.

Y.R.