For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 27, 2004
Statement by the Press Secretary
The United States believes in a democratic future for the Middle
East, and a future for Lebanon that is independent, fully sovereign,
and free of all foreign forces.
The United States believes strongly that the best interests of both
Lebanon and Syria are served by a positive and constructive
relationship, based upon principles of mutual respect and
non-intervention, between two neighboring sovereign and independent
states. This includes respect for the freedom of the Lebanese people
to decide the fate of their nation and its leadership, without pressure
or interference from any outside party. We note the recent statements
by senior religious, political, and civil society leaders in Lebanon
calling for respect of the Lebanese constitution.
The United States looks forward to elections in Lebanon that
respect Lebanese institutions, including Lebanon's existing
constitution, and that are free of any foreign interference.
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