Clinton backs moderate voices in Lebanon

US SECRETARY of state Hillary Rodham Clinton reassured the Lebanese people yesterday that Washington supports “voices of moderation” and will never make a deal with Syria that undermines the country’s interests.

Clinton spoke on a surprise visit to Beirut, ahead of a critical June 7 election that could see the pro-US Lebanese government ousted by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and its allies, possibly paving the way for renewed Syrian influence over the country.

“The people of Lebanon must be able to choose their own representatives in open and fair elections without the spectre of violence or intimidation and free of outside interference,” Clinton told a news conference in Beirut after meeting with President Michel Suleiman.