US envoys seek to reassure Lebanon

BEIRUT (AFP)

Two senior US diplomatic envoys sought to reassure Lebanese leaders on Friday of Washington's continued support despite its recent rapprochement with former powerbroker Syria."My visit here today underscores an important reality - the United States' support for a sovereign and independent Lebanon remains unwavering," Jeffrey Feltman told reporters after meeting with President Michel Sleiman as well as the country's premier and foreign minister.

The former US ambassador to Lebanon said Washington's overtures to the Syrian regime was in line with the policy of new US President Barack Obama to engage states in the region, including foes.

"The president has said he wants to sustain in principle engagement with all states in the region and that includes Syria," said Feltman, who is acting assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs.

However, he stressed that Washington had a "long list" of concerns that he and fellow envoy Daniel Shapiro planned to discuss with Syrian officials when they meet on Saturday.

"Our trip to Syria ... is an opportunity for us to start addressing these concerns and using engagement as a tool to promote our objectives in the region," Feltman said.

"We'll talk to the Syrians about many many issues but about Lebanon, the message is clear: The US and the international community ... all agree Lebanon is for the Lebanese," he added. "That's the basic message."