Readout of the Vice President's Call to Lebanese Prime Minister-Designate Saad Hariri

Earlier today, Vice President Biden spoke with Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, underscoring the United States' continuing support for Prime Minister-designate Hariri's efforts to form a new cabinet in line with results of the parliamentary elections, which produced a clear majority for his parliamentary coalition. He also stressed the United States' hope that the ongoing discussions over cabinet formation will proceed smoothly and that a new government will be in place to undertake its important work without delay. The Vice president highlighted the United States' continued commitment to Lebanon, stressing the importance of Lebanon's independence and sovereignty.