Pompeo calls for Lebanese freedom from external influence

WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday that the Lebanese government has the responsibility for freeing the country from the influence of "outside entities" in reference to the Iranian-backed Hizballah group.
"With respect to financial assistance, I know there are meetings taking place. We're working on it," he said, referring to the meetings of the International Support Group for Lebanon in Paris. "We know that the financial situation there is very serious, that the central bank is under real pressure, and that the Lebanese people are challenged. "They don't have access to their accounts in a way that is full and sufficient and adequate. We need to continue to work on that. But the responsibility lies with the Lebanese people," Secretary Pompeo stated. "The responsibility for how the Government of Lebanon will be formed and shaped falls to the Lebanese people to demand Lebanese sovereignty, Lebanese prosperity, Lebanese freedom from influence, from outside entities. "We have a designated terrorist organization there, Hizballah, and -- I know that the people of Lebanon understand the risk that that presents to their freedom," he stressed.
"This is not an American proposition; it is the - a proposition of the Lebanese people. And we do stand ready to do the things that the world can do to assist the Lebanese people of getting their economy righted, getting their government righted. And we're very hopeful that the Lebanese people will be successful in that," he added.
During its meeting in Paris earlier today, the International Support Group urged the Lebanese political parties to form a new government as early as possible in order to shore up the faltering economy and meet the aspirations of the people expressed in mass protests since October 17. (end) rsr.gb