The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has denied reports circulated by some newspapers on Thursday morning regarding Washington's stance on the presidential vote in Lebanon. An embassy source told Naharnet on Thursday afternoon that the official U.S. stance was the one expressed by U.S. Ambassador David Hale on Wednesday. “As Lebanese parliament continues efforts to elect a president, the U.S. will continue its strong partnership with the Lebanese people, leaders and institutions,” Hale had said in a tweet.

Earlier, al-Joumhouria newspaper quoted diplomatic sources as saying that the Obama administration is planning to issue a statement that would back the Lebanese government after the presidential vacuum and call for the swift election of a new head of state. The sources said the statement would come in support of Premier Tammam Salam's cabinet after it took over the authorities of President Michel Suleiman, who left Baabda Palace on Sunday following the expiry of his six-year term. [Link]