US seeks to reduce tension in Lebanon
September 26, 2010
NEW YORK: The United States called for less tension on Friday in Lebanon, in the grip of a political crisis over the US-backed tribunal probing the murder of ex-Lebanese premier Rafiq Hariri.
“It’s in the interest of the many friends of Lebanon, in the region and internationally to help reduce the tension, to help create an atmosphere for the Lebanese to be able to make decisions on
behalf of Lebanon,” US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeff Feltman said.
Pointing to a “rise of tension” in recent weeks, Feltman stressed that the STL was an independent court and that the United States was not aware of the specifics of its investigation or any upcoming announcements.
An escalated war of words between the camp of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri — Rafiq Hariri’s son — and the Hizbullah, largely related to the UN-backed probe, has raised fears of renewed sectarian violence.
“It’s in the interest of the many friends of Lebanon, in the region and internationally to help reduce the tension, to help create an atmosphere for the Lebanese to be able to make decisions on
behalf of Lebanon,” US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeff Feltman said.
Pointing to a “rise of tension” in recent weeks, Feltman stressed that the STL was an independent court and that the United States was not aware of the specifics of its investigation or any upcoming announcements.
An escalated war of words between the camp of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri — Rafiq Hariri’s son — and the Hizbullah, largely related to the UN-backed probe, has raised fears of renewed sectarian violence.
