Kerry: US troubled by lack of Lebanese president
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BEIRUT - The political stalemate that has left Lebanon without a president at a turbulent time in the region is "deeply troubling," US Secretary of State John Kerry said Wednesday.
Michel Suleiman's six-year term as president ended last month, but Lebanese politicians have failed to agree on a successor despite five parliament sessions over several weeks. Lawmakers allied with the militant Hezbollah group have boycotted the meetings.
"The current political stalemate here in Lebanon is deeply troubling. It is unfortunate the parliament did not elect a president on schedule, and now it is far more important for the vacancy to be filled," Kerry said.
"We need a government that is free of foreign influence with a fully empowered president and with the president and parliament responding to the needs of the Lebanese people." He added, "This is not a time for business as usual." (AP)
