The US State Department on Saturday voiced its support for Lebanon after the resignation of its Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri.



The department said that it did not receive prior notice about Hariri’s resignation.



Spokesperson to the department Heather Nauert said during a briefing on Tuesday that US-Lebanon relations will not change. “Lebanon is a strong partner of the United States,” she added.



She also said that Lebanon is the US’ “partner in the war on terror.” At this point she noted that the US regards Hezbollah as terrorist organization.



Speaking on US aid packages to Lebanon, Nauert said that she is unaware of any changes at this time.



Speaking to The National newspaper, a US State Department official said that Washington is following the situation in Lebanon closely.



The spokesperson urged members of the international community to respect “the sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon.”

Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:49 - GMT 06:49