U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Monday that “Hizbullah's actions” in Syria are “bad for the people of Syria and Lebanon,” as he noted that “those blocking” the presidential vote “should be held to public account.”
“The Prime Minister and I reviewed developments in the region, including the agreement between the P5+1 and Iran on the elements of a comprehensive plan to deal with Iran’s nuclear program that were decided last week in Lausanne, as well as the conflicts in Syria and Yemen and the future of Middle East peace,” said Blinken after meeting PM Tammam Salam in Msaitbeh.
He described Lebanon as a “strong partner” in the anti-terror efforts in the region.
“That is why we have increased and expedited our assistance to Lebanon,” he said.
Blinken warned that “Hizbullah’s support for (Syrian President Bashar) Assad -- indeed the lifeline it provides -- serves only to prolong the conflict and suffering, provides Daesh with a recruitment tool, and causes more refugees to flee to Lebanon.”
“Hizbullah’s actions in Syria are bad for the people of Syria and Lebanon,” he added.
Turning to Lebanon's presidential vacuum, the U.S. official said “to tackle the many challenges confronting the region today, Lebanon needs every part of its government functioning effectively.”