Former Minister Wadih El Khazen, commented today on the visit of US envoy Tom Barrack by hailing the US administration’s keenness on Lebanon’s stability, stressing that “frank and constructive dialogue with various Lebanese forces remains the most effective approach to supporting the path to stability, far from dictates or pressures."

He added that "approaching delicate Lebanese issues, especially those related to sovereignty and defense, must be conducted with respect for national balances and the will of the Lebanese people and their constitutional institutions."

El Khazen considered that the positions expressed by the US envoy fall within the framework of diplomatic efforts, reminding however that Lebanon is not an arena for settling regional or international conflicts. "Rather, it is a sovereign state, whose institutions are capable of managing the country’s affairs when there is internal will and balanced international support," he asserted.

"From this standpoint, we call on all international sides to support Lebanon from a position of partnership and mutual respect, not out of preconditions or dictatings," El Khazen went on.

"Lebanon, which has endured the harshest of circumstances, still believes in its ability to rise again through the combined efforts of its people and the support of its loyal friends," he maintained.