BEIRUT: US Vice President Joe Biden said yesterday that Washington would determine its aid to Lebanon based on the outcome of a tightly contested legislative election that Hezbollah could win.
“The US will evaluate the shape of its assistance program based on the composition of the new government and the policies it is advocating,” Biden told reporters after meeting President Michel Suleiman on his first visit to the Middle East since taking office.
Biden, whose visit to Lebanon is the first by a US vice president in 26 years, denied an allegation by Hezbollah that the trip is a clear attempt to meddle in Lebanon’s internal affairs. “I did not come here to back any institution or political party,” he said. “I came to demonstrate strong US backing for certain fundamental principles, the principle that the Lebanese people alone should choose their leaders.”
He said the shape and composition of Lebanon’s government was for the Lebanese people to decide. “No one else can decide but the Lebanese people. I urge those who think about standing with the spoilers of peace not to miss this opportunity to walk away,” he added. Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah said: “We call on all Lebanese, regardless of their political views, to rise up against such meddling which represents a flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty.”
The June 7 vote will pit the current US-backed majority in Parliament against a Hezbollah-led coalition. Hezbollah stands a good chance of winning the vote along with its allies. Apart from Suleiman, Biden also met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.
Biden’s lightning visit, held amid tight security, follows a similar trip last month by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who urged the Lebanese to hold free and fair elections. Washington has repeatedly said that it will have no dealings with Hezbollah.
Hezbollah officials say they have received assurances that the West does not envisage imposing a boycott like the one it slapped on Hamas when the movement won Palestinian elections in January 2006.
