BEIRUT: Praise continued to be heaped on President Michel Sleiman Sunday after his Army Day speech calling for support of the military and control of Hezbollah's weapons. U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly said Sleiman should be a role model for other Lebanese leaders.

The ambassador, whose mission in Lebanon is set to end soon, told An-Nahar daily that the president is keen on preserving the interests of the Lebanese. Praising Sleiman, Connelly said the president defends the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon without betting on the fate of the Syrian crisis. Connelly’s remarks come after Sleiman’s strong criticism of Hezbollah and suggestion that the party’s arms be controlled by the state during his Army Day speech.

Connelly said she wished “all political leaders would follow [Sleiman’s] example and support him.” [Link]