Tillerson says US supports stability in Lebanon

WASHINGTON - 11 November 2017: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Friday the US opposes action that would threaten the stability of Lebanon and warned other countries against using Lebanon "as a venue for proxy conflicts," the Voice of America reported.

In a statement released Friday, Tillerson said, "There is no legitimate place or role in Lebanon for any foreign forces, militias or armed elements other than the legitimate security forces of the Lebanese state."

Tillerson also called Saad al-Hariri a "strong partner of the United States."

"The United States urges all parties both within Lebanon and outside to respect the integrity and independence of Lebanon's legitimate national institutions, including the government of Lebanon and the Lebanese armed forces," he said.