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Biden Visits Lebanon Ahead of Elections

By the Associated Press

Posted May 22, 2009 6:28 AM CDT

(AP) – Vice President Joe Biden visited Lebanon today to reinforce US support for the government ahead of key parliamentary elections. The vote in two weeks could see a pro-Western majority ousted by a coalition led by the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah. Biden is the highest-ranking US official to visit Lebanon in more than 25 years and the second from the Obama administration in about a month, following in the footsteps of Hillary Clinton.

The attention underscores Washington's concerns about a possible win by Hezbollah. The White House said Biden's visit was meant "to reinforce the United States' support for an independent and sovereign Lebanon." Hezbollah has accused the US of interfering in the election in favor of pro-Western factions. The group said today that the visits raised "strong suspicion and amounted to a clear and detailed interference in Lebanon's affairs."

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, right, shakes hands with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, left, at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, May 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, right, receives U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, left, at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, May 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

US Vice President Joe Biden, left, reviews an honor guard as he arrives to meet with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, May 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Joe Biden • Lebanon • diplomacy • Hezbollah • Obama administration

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Obama Effect Drove Lebanon Allies to Victory

Hezbollah defeat bodes well for Iranian election this Friday

The Unique (and Growing) Role of Joe Biden

VP fights for White House in Congress, abroad

Obama a Spineless Leader Thus Far: Krauthammer

While Russia and Iran make threats, president fails to show spine

Biden Vows 'New Tone' in Foreign Policy

In Germany, VP cites 'new tone in Washington'

Syria Eyes a New Start With America

President Assad moots direct talks with Israel, strategic pact

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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