Suleiman slams Netanyahu's interfering remarks

President Suleiman made the remarks in a meeting with head of the US Central Command in Middle East General David Petraeus and in reaction to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's comments about the participation of Hezbollah in the new Lebanese cabinet.

"Netanyahu's statements are interference in Lebanon's internal affairs, undermining Lebanon's sovereignty and opposing the peace initiative as proposed by Arabs for settling the Middle East dispute," Xinhua quoted Suleiman as saying.

Netanyahu recently said Beirut would be held responsible for any attacks from southern Lebanon on Israeli interests if Hezbollah is included in the Lebanese cabinet.

President Suleiman described Netanyahu's remarks about Palestinians and Israeli settlements as 'very concerning'.

He went on to urge the new US administration to play a more active role in the establishment of a long-lasting peace in the region.

General Petraeus, for his part, said that the US would keep supporting Lebanon in boosting the Lebanese army's capabilities.

"The US will keep up its defense and logistic aid, as well as the humanitarian and social aid to Lebanon," Petraeus said.