WASHINGTON, March 26 (UPI) -- The United States maintains its support for Lebanese independence, but assistance will depend on the outcome of the June elections, a top U.S. official said.
Former U.S. envoy to Lebanon and Assistant Secretary for Near East Affairs Jeffrey Feltman told lawmakers on Capitol Hill that Lebanese political developments remain a top concern for Washington.
Feltman praised developments in Lebanon following the easing of Syrian dominance as well as the country's preparations for the June parliamentary elections.
"The institutions of the Lebanese state have been set back in motion, and the yoke of Syria's dominance over Lebanon has been cast off," he said. "Lebanon must now take ownership of its own future."
Analysts expect a tight race between the pro-Western March 14 block and the March 8 coalition, which includes the Lebanese Hezbollah.
London recently reversed course on Hezbollah, saying it would consider talks with the political wing of Hezbollah. Washington said it would not follow suit, noting its position on the group has not changed.
March 8 called for a unity government with the minority veto power regardless of the June victor, while March 14 said it would boycott a government with Hezbollah in control.
Feltman said Washington was "extremely concerned" about the influence Hezbollah has over the Lebanese political climate, seemingly linking U.S. support to the country on the results of the June elections.
"We anticipate that the shape of the United States' assistance programs in Lebanon will be evaluated in the context of Lebanon's parliamentary election results and the policies formed by the new cabinet," he said.
