Obama praises Lebanon elections

WASHINGTON, June 8 (UPI) -- The Lebanese people have demonstrated "the strength of their commitment to democracy" during the country's elections, U.S. President Barack Obama said Monday.

Praising the high voter turnout and the peacefulness of Sunday's election, Obama said in a statement, "Once more, the people of Lebanon have demonstrated to the world their courage and the strength of their commitment to democracy."

Initial returns indicated Lebanese voters chose a U.S.-backed coalition over a Hezbollah-backed alliance in its parliamentary elections. CNN reported 55 percent of the country's estimated 3 million eligible voters cast ballots.

"The United States will continue to support a sovereign and independent Lebanon, committed to peace, including the full implementation of all United Nations Security Council Resolutions," Obama said. "It is our sincere hope that the next government will continue along the path towards building a sovereign, independent and stable Lebanon."