U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman did not
convey new messages to Lebanon; he only reiterated the U.S. positions on domestic
developments. But in return, Feltman heard several messages to be conveyed to
his administration. His meetings with March 14, MP Walid Jumblatt and other
officials revolved around the Syrian crisis; his stance was clear regarding the
Syrian refugees and the situation in Syria.
In this regard, MP Boutros Harb told LBCI
that Feltman’s visit offered nothing new; it only reiterated the U.S.’s
interest in the region and the U.S. Administration’s keenness on the maintenance
of the democratic regime in Lebanon and on the implementation of international resolutions
pertaining to Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Feltman’s hosts did not sense negative
developments in their official discussions with him; on the contrary, this
time, they found him to be friendly and a good listener. All those who met him
said that his visit stole the limelight from the Iranian vice-president’s
visit.