Official stresses U.S. support for Lebanon

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. Assistant Secretary of State David Walsh reiterated Wednesday his country's strong support for Lebanon's sovereignty and independence.

Speaking after meeting Lebanese Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh, Walsh said he relayed Washington's backing for Lebanon's new government, which was formed after general elections largely won by the opposition.

Walsh said he discussed with Salloukh matters of joint interest and developments in Lebanon and the Middle East.

He reaffirmed the deep and solid friendship linking the U.S. and Lebanese peoples, stressing that Lebanon has a great chance to safeguard its newly acquired sovereignty after Syria's pullout last April.

For his part, Salloukh praised Lebanon's relations with the United States, which he said "we hope will help us consolidate our stability, sovereignty and prosperity."

Walsh, who arrived in Beirut early Wednesday, was scheduled to hold talks later with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.