Connelly Meets Geagea, Gemayel, Harb: Truly Representative Govt Would Not Abandon STL

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly on Tuesday discussed the recent political developments in the country in separate meetings with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel and caretaker Labor Minister Boutros Harb.

"Ambassador Connelly reiterated that the U.S. views the formation of a new Lebanese government as an exclusively Lebanese process that should remain free from outside interference," said a communiqué released by the U.S. Embassy following Connelly's talks with Geagea.

She stressed that the U.S. "will need to look at the new government's composition, policy statement, and behavior before we make any decision regarding our bilateral relationship."

"The international community has made clear its expectation that the next government of Lebanon should live up to its international obligations, including the full implementation of all Lebanon-related Security Council resolutions, and uphold Lebanon's commitment to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon," the statement quoted Connelly as saying.

"Any government that claims to be truly representative of all of Lebanon would find it impossible to abandon the Tribunal's efforts to end the era of impunity for assassinations in the country," the U.S. envoy added.

Following her talks with Gemayel and Harb earlier in the day, a statement released by the U.S. Embassy quoted Connelly as saying that the formation of a new Lebanese government should remain "free from coercion, intimidation and threats of violence from both inside and outside Lebanon."

The ambassador called on the international community to continue to support Lebanon's sovereignty, stability and independence as the constitutional process of forming a new government unfolds, the statement said.

The STL's work must continue, it said, adding that the court is of vital importance to the stability and security of Lebanon.