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US Vice-President Joe Biden visits Lebanon US Vice-President Joe Biden visits Lebanon
(about 1 hour later)
US Vice-President Joe Biden has arrived in Beirut in what the US calls a show of support for Lebanese independence ahead of key legislative elections. US Vice-President Joe Biden has voiced strong support for Lebanese democracy and independence during a visit 16 days ahead of key legislative elections.
The vote in two weeks could see the militant and political Shia movement Hezbollah gain a parliament majority. The tight contest could see the militant and political Shia movement Hezbollah gain a parliament majority.
A top Hezbollah official called the visit an example of US "meddling" to shore up support for the pro-Western faction "which feels under threat". Mr Biden said it was up to the voters to choose their own leaders, but the "enduring US partnership" would depend on their commitment to "freedom".
Mr Biden is due to announce fresh US military aid to the Lebanese military. A top Hezbollah official accused the US of "meddling" in Lebanese affairs.
He is scheduled to hold meetings with President Michel Suleiman, as well as pro-Western Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who is allied to the Hezbollah-led bloc. Mr Biden was speaking after talks with President Michel Suleiman. He was also due to meet the pro-Western Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who is allied to the Hezbollah-led bloc.
Correspondents are describing Lebanon's 7 June vote as a showdown between the US- and Saudi- backed majority from the last parliament and Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran and Syria.Correspondents are describing Lebanon's 7 June vote as a showdown between the US- and Saudi- backed majority from the last parliament and Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran and Syria.
The White House said the visit by Joe Biden was meant to reinforce US support for "an independent and sovereign Lebanon".The White House said the visit by Joe Biden was meant to reinforce US support for "an independent and sovereign Lebanon".
Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah expressed scorn about the visit.Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah expressed scorn about the visit.
"It appears that this visit is part of a US bid to supervise the electoral campaign of a Lebanese party which feels threatened politically... in light of the expected outcome of the legislative vote," he told AFP news agency."It appears that this visit is part of a US bid to supervise the electoral campaign of a Lebanese party which feels threatened politically... in light of the expected outcome of the legislative vote," he told AFP news agency.
CounterweightCounterweight
The White House said the vice-president would make an announcement with Lebanese Defence Minister Elias Murr on military aid.The White House said the vice-president would make an announcement with Lebanese Defence Minister Elias Murr on military aid.
Mr Biden will announce more military aid to Lebanon, the US says
The US has given the Lebanese army more than $410m since 2006 - when a devastating war broke out between Hezbollah and Israel - in order to provide a counterweight to Hezbollah's powerful military wing, the Islamic Resistance.The US has given the Lebanese army more than $410m since 2006 - when a devastating war broke out between Hezbollah and Israel - in order to provide a counterweight to Hezbollah's powerful military wing, the Islamic Resistance.
Correspondents say it is unclear to what degree aid would continue under a government led by Hezbollah or its allies.Correspondents say it is unclear to what degree aid would continue under a government led by Hezbollah or its allies.
It included supplying aircraft, tanks and artillery to the Lebanese military and providing training to its personnel.It included supplying aircraft, tanks and artillery to the Lebanese military and providing training to its personnel.
Washington calls Hezbollah a terrorist organisation, a charge denied by its supporters who say its armed activities are legitimate resistance.Washington calls Hezbollah a terrorist organisation, a charge denied by its supporters who say its armed activities are legitimate resistance.
Joe Biden is reported to be the first sitting US vice-president to visit Lebanon.Joe Biden is reported to be the first sitting US vice-president to visit Lebanon.
His trip comes weeks after a visit by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who pleaded for the elections to be free and fair.His trip comes weeks after a visit by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who pleaded for the elections to be free and fair.