Obama to Lebanese: Time to Elect President

Local Editor

US President Barack Obama stressed the urgency of electing a Lebanese president, highlighting that ending the 18-month-long presidential vacuum is essential for Lebanon's stability and security.

In a message to Prime Minister Tammam Salam to congratulate him over Lebanon's 72nd independence anniversary, Obama lamented that the country has been unable to elect a new head of state since former President Michel Sleiman's tenure ended on May 24, 2014.

"It is with regret ... that I note this is the second consecutive National Independence Day without an elected President of the Lebanese Republic," Obama said in his message released by the US Embassy in Beirut Tuesday. "For the sake of Lebanon's stability and security, now is the time for Lebanese leaders to act in the national interest and elect a president."

In his letter to Salam, Obama said he is "impressed" by the ability of Lebanese to cope with the many problems facing their country, and expressed condolences over the twin suicide bombings in the southern Beirut suburb of Burj al-Barajneh.

"I am continually impressed by the Lebanese people's ability to overcome the challenges and adversity they face," Obama said. "We are proud to be your partner in addressing Lebanon's security, humanitarian, and development challenges, and we will remain by your side in these endeavors."

Obama described the Burj al-Barajneh blasts as "horrific."

"I ... wish to extend my deepest condolences to you [Salam] and the Lebanese people for the bombings. ... This horrific attack highlights the critical challenges you face and why the United States will continue to support Lebanon's state security institutions," he said, reiterating US support for Lebanon's stability and sovereignty.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team