Several opposition MPs returned from a visit to Washington, where they met with officials from the Administration, Congress, the State Department, as well as the Departments of Finance and Defense, with a clear message: “Washington is against any compromise on the presidency in Lebanon, contrary to what some are reporting.”
The US officials also stressed that the Lebanese army can secure the borders, contrary to what some claim. The Lebanese MPs also made it clear that Washington wants a president who is sovereign, reformist, has integrity, inspires confidence both internally and externally, and restores Lebanon’s relations with its Arab neighbors. The parliamentarians were assured that there would be no haggling or compromise over the presidency in Lebanon and that Washington wants a president elected as soon as possible, contrary to those who argue that there will be no elections in Lebanon before the American presidential elections, pointing out that Hezbollah and Iran are held responsible for blocking the Lebanese presidential election.
