Connelly and Mikati discuss reshuffle

The US Ambassador to Lebanon has held talks with Prime Minister Najib Mikati about the formation of a new Lebanese government. Maura Connelly stressed the importance of the new regime reflecting the aspirations of the Lebanese people, and strengthening the internal security as well as the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon. Connelly's backing for the formation of a new government, is a similar stance to that of the March 14 forces, who are demanding the resignation of Mikati, and the formation of a neutral government to oversee the electoral process scheduled for the spring of 2013. According to the US embassy, Connelly and Mikati discussed US-Lebanese bilateral relations, the political and security situation in Lebanon, and events in the region. The Prime Minister also told Connelly about his recent visit to France. Connelly expressed the US government's concern about the growing humanitarian needs of the displaced Syrians, who fled to Lebanon to escape the ongoing violence in their country, and renewed America's commitment to a stable, sovereign, and independent Lebanon.