Hague Urges Respect for Constitutional Timetable, Welcomes Cooperation with Bulgaria on Bus Attack

British Foreign Secretary William Hague urged on Thursday for consensus among rival lawmakers on an electoral draft-law and welcomed Lebanon's commitment to cooperate with Bulgarian authorities on the probe into a deadly attack on Israeli tourists last year.

“In these difficult times, it is important that political forces in Lebanon come together in a spirit of dialogue and consensus to agree a process that respects the constitutional timetable for this year's elections,” Hague said after talks with President Michel Suleiman at Baabda palace.

He said London was committed to supporting peace and stability in Lebanon.

As part of that process, he announced an increase in the training assistance package of Lebanese Armed Forces, saying Britain will help train over 2,000 troops in the coming year.

“This is in addition to the joint activities we already have planned with the armed forces, including equipment and training support, part of the ever closer work the UK is doing with the Lebanese army and the Internal Security Forces,” he said.

On his talks with Premier Najib Miqati on Wednesday night, Hague said: “We discussed the importance of both stability in Lebanon and inclusive dialogue in the run-up to elections.”

He told reporters that he agreed with Suleiman and Miqati “on the urgent need to make progress in the Middle East peace process.”

“I welcomed Lebanon's commitment to cooperate with the Bulgarian investigation into the bombing of a bus in Burgas,” Hague said.

The July 18 bombing at an airport in Bulgaria's Black Sea resort of Burgas killed five Israelis as well as a Bulgarian bus driver and the suspected bomber.

Three men are suspected in the attack, including the bomber. Bulgaria has accused Hizbullah of involvement in the bombing.

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nikolay Mladenov briefed EU foreign ministers in their Feb. 18 meeting on the results of Sofia's investigation.

The EU, which regards Hizbullah as a legitimate political organization, has resisted calls to blacklist it or declare it a terrorist organization.

On the war in Syria, Hague said: “The appalling humanitarian crisis, the loss of life, and the threat to regional security cannot be ignored or underestimated.”

“The senseless killing must be brought to an end through a credible political process leading to transition.”

Later Hague held talks with Army chief General Jean Qahwaji and visited Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh.

He said that despite the current situation, Lebanon has a tremendous opportunity at the economic level.

The foreign secretary later announced additional funding of £1m ($1.58M) towards the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, reiterating the UK’s support for justice.

At the World Food Programme Distribution center for Syrian refugees in Burj Hammoud, Beirut, Hague announced the UK’s allocation of £11.15m ($17.3 million) towards humanitarian relief in Lebanon, taking the UK’s overall support to the response in Lebanon to over £19.5m ($30 million).

He called on all donors to deliver swiftly on their pledges to ensure aid reaches those who need it most in Syria, Lebanon and across the region.

Hage also met with head of the Mustaqbal bloc MP Fouad Saniora and discussed the UK’s support for Lebanese stability, elections, and the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

The foreign secretary said: “I was delighted to be able to visit Lebanon and reiterate our staunch support for Lebanon’s stability, against an uncertain regional backdrop."

"In these difficult times, it is especially important that Lebanon remains united in its diversity. Today I have assured Lebanon’s leaders that the UK will play its part, through our political efforts, through our enhanced support to the army, and through our solidarity with the Lebanese people," he added.

“I am also pleased to announce that the UK will be contributing a further £1m ($1.58M) to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in 2013. This takes our total contribution to £4.3M, and underlines our support for the tribunal, which is working to end impunity for political assassinations in Lebanon. The UK is committed to supporting the search for justice within Lebanon.," he announced.

This is the Hague’s first visit to Lebanon since his appointment as Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on May 12, 2010.