Clinton reassures Lebanon on overtures to Syria

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BEIRUT, April 26 (AP): US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton reassured the Lebanese people Sunday that Washington supports "voices of moderation" and will never make a deal with Syria that undermines the country's interests.
Clinton spoke on a surprise visit to Beirut ahead of a critical June 7 election that could see the pro-US Lebanese government ousted by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and its allies, possibly paving the way for renewed Syrian influence over the country.
"The people of Lebanon must be able to choose their own representatives in open and fair elections without the spectre of violence or intimidation and free of outside interference," Clinton told a news conference in Beirut after meeting with President Michel Suleiman.
"Beyond the elections, we will continue to support the voices of moderation in Lebanon and the responsible institutions of the Lebanese state they are working hard to build. Our ongoing support for the Lebanese armed forces remains a pillar of our bilateral cooperation," she added.
Syria dominated Lebanon for nearly three decades before it was forced to withdraw its tens of thousands of troops four years ago this week in the wake of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. There have been concerns among anti-Syrian factions in the pro-US parliamentary majority that the Obama administration talks with Syria could weaken American support for Lebanon.
But Clinton said she delivered a letter from Obama to Suleiman expressing strong support for a free, sovereign and independent Lebanon. She said US attempts to engage Syria and Iran are not being done at the expense of that support.
"There is nothing that we would do in any way that would undermine Lebanon's sovereignty," Clinton said. "I want to assure any Lebanese citizen that the United States will never make any deal with Syria that sells out Lebanon and the Lebanese people. You have been through too much and it is only right that you are given a chance to make your own decisions," Clinton said.
"It's a complicated neighbourhood you live in and you have the right to your own future," she added.
Hezbollah spokesman Ibrahim Mussawi said Clinton's visit could have a negative impact on the pro-US factions in the country. Speaking on the group's Al-Manar TV after Clinton arrived, Mussawi said it was too early to tell whether the Obama administration has reassessed its policy.
But he added that American "interference in the past was never positive." He also criticised what he termed a "double standard and deception" when the US calls for Islamic factions to participate in elections and then refuses to accept the results if they win.
Clinton, whose first trip to one of the most volatile countries in the Middle East lasted a little less than three hours, would not speculate on the results of the election and what the US would do if Hezbollah wins, stressing a free and fair elections.
Prior to Clinton's visit, the US ambassador to Lebanon had already expressed concern about the election, and Hezbollah's opponents warned a victory for the militant group could bring international isolation and reduced aid from Washington.
Before leaving Lebanon, Clinton stopped at Hariri's grave on the main Martyrs' Square in downtown Beirut to lay a wreath and pay respects. She renewed US support for an international tribunal based in the Netherlands to try his killers.