British FM in diplomatic visit to Lebanon

British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs William Hague and senior officials from his department arrived in Lebanon on Wednesday, as part of a diplomatic visit to strengthen ties with the East Mediterranean state. Hague met Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati at Grand Serail on Wednesday evening, and will hold talks with President Michel Sleiman, Speaker of Lebanon’s Parliament Nabih Berri, and chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces Jean Kahwaji on Thursday. The Lebanese prime minister thanked the Britain government for supporting Lebanon's army and said he hoped that Britain would pressure the Arab countries to help Lebanon overcome the crisis of displaced Syrians. The British diplomat reiterated his country's support for stability in Lebanon and confirmed that he would be meeting Lebanese military officials in Lebanon on Thursday to emphasise his support for the institution. Hague also said that Britain is standing alongside Lebanon in relation to resolving the Syrian refugee crisis, and will work to convince donor countries to increase Lebanon’s quota from the money allocated for displaced Syrians. The British minister said that he would hold a press conference in Beirut on Thursday to shed light on the country's stances on current local and regional developments. Hague was joined by British Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher during the meeting.