US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch said that Lebanon has lost the Arab initiative, which failed to provide for the election of a president.

“I fear that the Lebanese might face a hot summer, similar to the summer of 2006,” which saw the devastating war between Israel and Hezbollah, Welch said at a press conference in Abu Dhabi.

He added that the best solution for Lebanon will come from the Lebanese themselves.

Welch also denied any US intention to resort to military force against Iran. “We are supporting international efforts to impose economic sanctions on Iran and to isolate it in order to press on it to change its ways.”

“However, the option of a military attack on Iran is still open to any president who comes to the White House,” Welch concluded.

-NOW Staff