A U.S State Department official commended the new Lebanese government exercising its legitimate authority over all Lebanese territory, noting that the U.S. administration is committed to partnership with President Michel Sleiman to strengthen the Lebanese state institutions and enhance stability in the region.

The U.S. official said in an interview to Al-Khalij daily Tuesday that Sleiman’s visit to Washington reflects the depth of the bilateral relations between Lebanon and the United States, pointing out that the U.S. looks forward to discuss a wide range of issues with the Lebanese President.

He added the time has come for the Lebanese to rally behind an internal, national agenda, hoping the Lebanese would start a new phase by attending to domestic affairs and addressing the Lebanese security and social concerns.

The official expressed his concern about Hizbullah arms smuggled into Lebanon, recounting such weapons as a threat to Lebanon and the region’s security.

He assured the United States policy toward Hizbullah is still the same.

The U.S. lists Hizbullah as a terror group, as it has said the Lebanese party has thousands of rockets and missiles, some of which can reach deep into Israel.

The American official assured Obama’s administration is keen on working to achieve all-inclusive peace in the Middle East and establishing harmony between Israel and the Palestinians, Lebanese and Syrians.

J.H