The US Under-Secretary in charge of the Middle East David Hale, currently in Lebanon, spoke from the steps of the Baabda Palace after a meeting with the President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun.
He said he traveled to Lebanon at the request of the US secretary of state to underline the US support for Lebanon before estimating that the Lebanese are suffering “because the leaders failed to solve the economic problems”.
“Lebanon’s mismanagement has led to this situation and it remains possible to form a government that stops the collapse. The United States is ready to help but we must see reforms”, underlines David Hale, alluding to the conditions of the international community for the unblocking of economic aid to the Land of the Cedars.
The American official also denounced Hezbollah “and the illegal activities which prevent the establishment of a peaceful state”. He also attacked Iran, accused of financing the Shiite movement.
“The United States will not let down its friends and Lebanon”, we will facilitate the negotiations concerning the maritime borders (with Israel) which will have an economic benefit capable of resolving the crisis “, he concluded.
Yesterday, the US Under Secretary of State in charge of the Middle East David Hale had successively met with several Lebanese leaders including the outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs Charbel Wehbé, the President of the Chamber of Deputies Nabih Berri and the Prime Minister designate Saad Hariri – shortly before his departure for Moscow – to address the current political crisis. He thus communicated to the latter the American concerns about the deterioration of local social and economic conditions, calling on them to be flexible in their demands. He is also awaited by the President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun at the Baabda Palace.
This is an accumulation of decades of mismanagement, corruption and the inability of the Lebanese leaders to put forward the interest of their country, had then estimated David Hall after an interview with Nabih Berri, recalling that the the international community and the United States are ready to help if a local partner – alluding to the absence of government – exists. He also called for the establishment of economic reforms which should be transparent and implemented.