British Office Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt, who wrapped up Lebanon visit, reiterated the importance of international community support to Lebanon's disassociation policy.

"At this challenging time, I say to Lebanon: 'Don't send your sons to fight and die in Syria.' Getting sucked in to Syria's conflict would be easy. Neutrality is the braver choice. Disassociation is the only policy that works for Lebanon", Burt said after meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri.

He called on all political parties to engage urgently with PM-designate Tammam Salam to form a government and run the legislative election.

"Uncertainty in the region is no excuse for dodging the constitutional timeframe for elections. The technical work is done. Now it is time for all parties to put Lebanon first. I call on Lebanon's politicians to agree an elections law to enable elections to take place within the constitutional timeline", he affirmed.

Burt later reinforced these messages with PM-Designate Tammam Salam. He also reiterated the UK's readiness to support the transparent management of Lebanon's oil and gas resources, noting the success of all six British companies in the oil and gas pre-qualification round.

In his meeting with the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Jean Kahwaji, the British senior official discussed Lebanese stability and welcomed the increased cooperation between the UK and the Lebanese Armed Forces to protect Lebanon's sovereignty.