A Hezbollah lawmaker says the US is meddling in Lebanon's domestic affairs as Vice President Joe Biden arrives in Beirut ahead of parliamentary elections.
"It appears that this visit is part of a US bid to supervise the electoral campaign of a Lebanese party which feels threatened politically," Hassan Fadlallah told AFP on Friday.
He pointed out that the current US-backed majority in parliament stands to lose in the upcoming vote -- to Hezbollah, Press TV reported.
"We call on all Lebanese, regardless of their political views, to rise up against such meddling which represents a flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty," said Fadlallah.
Biden arrived in Beirut on Friday as Lebanon prepares for a June 7 parliamentary election in which Hezbollah is tipped to win a majority of seats.
The US has been supportive of the current majority in parliament, headed by Saad Hariri, son and political heir of slain prime minister, Rafiq Hariri.
Fadlallah said Biden's trip will "negatively affect those betting once again on US support which, under the arrogant Bush administration, was unable to break the will of the Lebanese."
He noted that the visit is part of US efforts to impose its views on the government that would be formed after the elections.
"They are tracing red lines for the future government. We will rise up to this," he concluded.
...