Ashton stresses support for government prior to leaving Beirut

 
European Union foreign policy Chief Catherine Ashton who is visiting Lebanon on the second leg of a five-day tour of the Middle East held a press conference from Beirut Internal Airport whereby she stressed support for the cabinet and called for further assistance to the Syrian refugees in Lebanon.          

Earlier Ashton met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati who left for Mecca on a pilgrimage trip shortly after the talks. Mikati had resumed his work from the Government Palace in Beirut on Tuesday morning, three days after he said he had suspended his decision to resign and that he would work from his home in protest at the assassination of top security official Brigadier General Wissam al-Hasan.   

Lebanese President Michel Sleiman also met with Ashton at the Baabda Palace who left without making any statement. Sources to LBCI reported that Ashton lauded Sleiman's efforts in preserving national unity and peace, and urged for divergence from political void.                

For his part, President Sleiman called on the International Community to sustain its support towards Lebanon to prevent political void.                     

Ashton is in the region for talks on recent developments, particularly the 19-month-old conflict in Syria and its repercussions for instability in neighboring countries. Her visit came as Lebanese troops continued a major security operation to open all roads and force gunmen off the streets.           

Coming from Jordan, Ashton reached Beirut on Tuesday at 8:00 AM and was received at the Beirut International Airport by the EU Ambassador to Lebanon Angelina Eichhors and the Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mira Daher. Ashton is expected to hold talks with various Lebanese officials.                                

LBCI/AP