Members Of Congress Congratulate People Of Lebanon On Election

Statement

Today, Reps Darrell Issa, Nick Rahall, and Charles Boustany— three members of congress who have travelled extensively throughout Lebanon and the Middle East—issued the following statement in regard to the parliamentary elections held in Lebanon on June 7, 2009:

"We congratulate the Lebanese people for conducting a free and fair parliamentary election. The result of the election is a victory for the moderate voices within Lebanon who seek a sovereign, independent, secure, and prosperous nation with full control over all its territory. We extend our congratulations to Lebanese who voted for progress.

"Now that the election is over, the hard work begins for the March 14 coalition of forming a new government that can work to breach the internal divisions within Lebanon. This new government will face some very difficult decisions in the weeks and months as it works to resolve its differences with the political opposition, which includes Hezbollah, and its neighbors in the region.

"As Members of Congress, we will fully support and assist the new Lebanese government as it seeks to broaden its influence and expand the role of democratic institutions throughout the country. This support is essential to Lebanon's future as a stable, democratic nation in the Middle East."

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