Obama Receives PM Hariri in a 25 Minute Meeting

Local Editor

US President Barak Obama received in the White House Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri for 35 minutes. Both officials had a private meeting for 25 min, followed by a 10-minute meeting in the presence of the Lebanese ministerial delegation including Elias El Morr, Ali Shami, Wael Abu Faour, Rayya Hassan, and Salim Sayegh.

Hariri stressed on the government's affiliations and on the importance of protecting Lebanon from regional wars.

PM Hariri described the meeting as "special", and confirmed the importance of ongoing military aids to the Lebanese army and security forces, in order to "help Lebanon's defense abilities and help its security institutions to make sure of the government's control over all Lebanese territories".

An official White House statement read that Obama praised Lebanese PM's legacy after his father, also greeted Lebanon for holding The UN Security Council Leadership, where Lebanon helps in respecting international peace and security.

The statement added that Obama and Hariri reconfirmed their commitments in supporting Lebanon's sovereignty and independence, in addition to the continuous relations between Lebanon and the US.

Hariri and Obama went over the progress in joint and regional issues, like aiming at accomplishing the Arab-"Israeli" peace, also accomplishing UN resolutions of 1701, 1680 and 1559.

The White House statement also expressed Obama and Hariri's will to continue US efforts in supporting Lebanese institutions, like Lebanese army and security forces, and helping Lebanese economic development.

The statement finalized with Obama's affirmation that the US interference in the region will not be on Lebanon's expense, and it will continue to support the special tribunal in Lebanon.

Lebanese PM Hariri also met with US Deputy Secretary of state, Jeffrey Feltman in a one-hour meeting, followed by a 40 minute meeting with US National Security Advisor, James Jones. Hariri also met with Middle East envoy George Mitchell, US War Minister Robert Gates, The White House Special advisor of Gulf and South West Asia, Denis Ross.

It is expected today that Hariri is to meet with US Speaker of House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, along with Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, John Kerry.