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Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the situation in Lebanon
May 10, 2008
Hezbollah's power grab in Beirut has once more plunged that city into violence and chaos. This effort to undermine Lebanon's elected government needs to stop, and all those who have influence with Hezbollah must press them to stand down immediately. It's time to engage in diplomatic efforts to help build a new Lebanese consensus that focuses on electoral reform, an end to the current corrupt patronage system, and the development of the economy that provides for a fair distribution of services, opportunities and employment. We must support the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions that reinforce Lebanon's sovereignty, especially resolution 1701 banning the provision of arms to Hezbollah, which is violated by Iran and Syria. As we push for this national consensus, we should continue to support the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Siniora, strengthen the Lebanese army, and insist on the disarming of Hezbollah before it drags Lebanon into another unnecessary war. As we do this, it is vital that the United States continues to work with the international community and the private sector to rebuild Lebanon and get its economy back on its feet.
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Comments ( 4 )
Posted by
Joe
May 21. 2008
WOW! Maybe if we all just Hope that there will be a Change in the Lebanon situation, then Iran and Syria will Change their strategy and Lebanon can have Hope for some Change in the future. At least we can Hope that there will be some Change anyway. If not, what is Hope good for. Is this the kind of diplomacy and problem solving skills that we may expect to see from a President Barry. Maybe you need to spend more time actually paying some dues and learning some ropes outside Chicago politics and your cloistered Halls of Ivy before you launch into deeper waters sonny boy. You sure have a lot of people fooled Barry; but keep talking, we're learning more about you with every passing day.
Posted by
Joe
May 10. 2008
Barack Obama is a moderate man with a vision for everything even Lebanon, a miniture country with virtually no resources or strategic interest to the US. Hi attitude of diplomatic efforts before military action is commendable and I hope he becomes the president of the USA.
Posted by
Jeha
May 10. 2008
Interesting. The similarity with BAshar's statements is interesting.
Posted by
EV
May 10. 2008
The same old refrain. I wish he would say something more concrete rather than reiterate what we have heard a million times. He still does not have my vote.
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