BEIRUT: The US administration on Tuesday abruptly canceled the scheduled meetings in Washington of Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, the Lebanese army commander.
The decision was made just hours before his planned departure and despite extensive preparations for the visit.
The Lebanese Embassy in Washington announced the cancellation of a reception that had been arranged in honor of the army commander, expressing appreciation for guests’ understanding and saying it would inform them of a new date once set, without offering the Lebanese community any further explanation.
The Lebanese administration viewed the move as a strongly worded message to the Lebanese army, especially as several US senators had directly criticized the army commander.
Haykal was set to meet many senior officials, including representatives from the White House, members of the Congress, and military leaders.
