The Bush administration on Friday urged all parties in Lebanon to remain calm and refrain from violence after the country's parliament failed to elect a new president as required by the constitution. The U.S. State Department appealed for the Lebanese military and security services to uphold the rule of law and for political actors to negotiate. The U.S. statement, however, noted that the unconstitutional government of Fouad Saniora "will temporarily assume executive powers and responsibilities until a new president is elected by Lebanon's Parliament."
"This is the procedure stipulated by the Lebanese constitution and will ensure that the government is able to continue conducting its business without interruption," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said in the statement.
"The United States government commends Lebanon's armed forces and security services for their stated commitment to ensuring law and order during this interim period, and we urge all Lebanese political groups to do their part to maintain calm and promote security for Lebanon's citizens," he said.