Shorter Meets Hariri, Stresses 'Importance of Disassociation Policy'

British Ambassador to Lebanon Hugo Shorter on Thursday stressed the importance of Lebanon's so-called disassociation policy during talks with Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

"It was an honor to meet Prime Minister Hariri and to discuss upcoming international conferences for Lebanon’s security and prosperity,” Shorter said after the meeting.

"The UK is one of the biggest supporters of Lebanon in terms of our security partnership and aid contributions. I look forward to this continuing, in the framework of the relevant U.N. Security Council Resolutions and statements of the International Support Group for Lebanon,” the ambassador added.

He also said that talks tackled the latest regional developments.

“I reiterated to Prime Minister Hariri the importance for the UK of Lebanon’s policy of disassociation to ensure security, stability and prosperity for Lebanon,” Shorter said.

He added: "We also discussed the upcoming elections. It remains very important that these happen on 6 May as planned. I discussed with His Excellency, as leader of the Future Movement, the desirability of ensuring that enough women candidates were on the party’s lists to ensure increased representation of women in parliament.”

“This is something which I know many Lebanese are hoping for. I was pleased to hear from His Excellency his assurances that Future Movement is working towards 30% of female candidates on future’s electoral lists,” the ambassador went on to say.