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Today, the United States called on Lebanese political officials to undertake profound reforms in their country, stressing that their position is consistent with the urgent message that French President Emmanuel Macron brought to Beirut, who yesterday removed from the political forces a commitment to form a government composed of “competent personalities” within 15 years. One day, he undertakes urgent reforms that respond to the demands of the Lebanese. In contrast, the United States has sent only diplomats of much lower rank to Lebanon.
“I work closely with the French,” US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told a news conference. “We share the same goal.” He added: “The situation cannot continue as before, it is simply unacceptable. I think President Macron said the same.”
“This government must undertake profound reforms. The Lebanese are calling for real change and the United States will use its presence and its diplomatic means to ensure that this happens,” Pompeo said.
Pompeo once again criticized Hezbollah, which Washington considers a terrorist organization, saying: “We all know the history of Lebanon: everyone gave up their weapons except (Hezbollah). It is the current challenge.”
As part of the continuing international pressure, US Under Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker will visit Beirut today, the second visit by a US official since the explosion. According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, officials will urge “to implement reforms that meet the demands of the Lebanese people.”
At the same time, the Lebanese Prime Minister-designate, Mustafa Adeeb, began parliamentary consultations to form a government in 15 days, with the aim of implementing urgent reforms in the country suffering a deep political and economic crisis.
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