Pompeo praises Lebanese gov’t for firm stand against Iranian threat

CAIRO – 16 August 2019: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has praised the commitment by the Lebanese government to protecting its country in the face of the threat posed by Iran and its terrorist proxy Hezbollah.

Pompeo met in Washington with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri in the presence of David Schenker, the assistant secretary of near eastern affairs, and David Hill, undersecretary of state for political affairs.

Pompeo also reassured Hariri of “the commitment of the United States to support Lebanon and its institutions, to preserve its security and stability.”

After the meeting, Hariri said he hoped to “reach a conclusive decision in the upcoming months regarding the border demarcation negotiations.”

During his visit, Hariri also met Undersecretary of Defense John Rudd. They discussed “ways to support the Lebanese army and the security forces,” according to the prime minister’s office.

He also met with Treasury officials, including Marshall Billingslea, the Treasury Department’s assistant secretary for terrorist financing, in light of the announcement by the US of fresh sanctions on Hezbollah officials.