WASHINGTON, June 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday congratulated Lebanon on holding a peaceful election, saying the United States will continue to support a sovereign and independent Lebanon.

    "The high turnout and the candidates -- too many of whom know personally the violence that has marred Lebanon -- are the strongest indications yet of the Lebanese desire for security and prosperity," Obama said in a statement.

    "The United States will continue to support a sovereign and independent Lebanon, committed to peace, including the full implementation of all United National Security Council Resolutions," he said.