Hale Meets Jumblat, to Discuss Hizbullah with Lebanese Leaders

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale has arrived in Lebanon, where he will meet with senior Lebanese officials to discuss the full range of bilateral and regional issues, the U.S. embassy said.

“Under Secretary (U/S) Hale has enduring ties with Lebanon and the Lebanese people after serving at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut as a political officer, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Ambassador over the span of 27 years. He is returning to Lebanon in his new role to reaffirm strong U.S. support for the Lebanese state, including its legitimate security institutions, as it continues to cope with significant challenges,” the embassy said in a statement.

“Hale will also underscore U.S. concerns about Hizbullah’s destabilizing activities in Lebanon and the region, including the recent discovery of Hizbullah’s cross-border tunnels, which defy U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, jeopardize the security of the Lebanese people, and undermine the legitimacy of Lebanon’s state institutions,” the embassy added.

The U.S. official began his meetings by holding talks with Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat in Clemenceau.

A brief PSP statement said the meeting was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard and an embassy delegation and that it was followed by a dinner banquet.