US ambassador to Lebanon summoned amid tension

[Joanne98]

Source: AP

BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon's Foreign Ministry summoned the U.S. ambassador Monday over concerns that she is interfering with internal politics after the Shiite militant group Hezbollah forced the collapse of the Western-backed government last week, officials said.

The controversy stems from a meeting this weekend between U.S. envoy Maura Connelly and lawmaker Nicolas Fattouch, who is seen as a key "undecided" lawmaker as Lebanon's political factions scramble to form a new government.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Ali Shami "considers these kinds of contacts as interference in Lebanon's internal affairs," the ministry said in a statement.

After Monday's meeting with Shami, Connelly's office denied any interference.



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