Clinton calls for free elections during Lebanon trip
The US secretary of state is meeting leaders ahead of elections in the country in June
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Sunday, 26, Apr 2009 12:05
US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has stressed the need for free and fair elections in Lebanon ahead of her arrival in the country on an unannounced visit.
During her trip to Lebanon, she will meet the country's president Michel Suleiman and will also visit the tomb of assassinated former prime minister Rafiq Hariri – whose death led to neighbour Syria ending its military presence in the country.
Elections in the country in June will see a pro-western coalition pitted against an alliance composed of Hezbollah which is pro Syrian and against further engagement with the west.
In comments distributed to the press on board her plane, she said: "The people of Lebanon must be able to choose their own representatives in open and fair elections, without the specter of violence or intimidation, and free of outside interference.
"Beyond the election, we will continue to support the voices of moderation in Lebanon, and the responsible institutions of the Lebanese state they are working hard to build," she said.
Ms Clinton was in Iraq yesterday on a surprise visit to assess the security situation in the country after two days of deadly bombings.