BEIRUT: U.K. Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher told Prime Minister Najib Mikati Tuesday of his government’s disappointment with Lebanon’s vote against the Arab League’s recent decision to suspend Syria from the regional organization.

“Mikati explained to me the unique pressures faced by Lebanon on this issue [Syria]. Nevertheless, I underlined our disappointment at Lebanon’s position at the Arab League meeting,” Fletcher said, according to a U.K. embassy statement.

“In the uncertain period ahead, we must all work for stability and coexistence in Lebanon,” Fletcher added.

Both Mikati and President Michel Sleiman have defended Lebanon’s stance at the Arab League, whose foreign ministers decided Saturday to suspend Syria’s participation and impose political and economic sanctions on Damascus in response to the Syrian government’s failure to implement an Arab plan to end the unrest there.

Fletcher said Tuesday Britain welcomed the “strong action” by the Arab League and said it hoped it would lead to greater freedom, stability and respect for human rights, “as demanded by the Syrian people themselves.”

Fletcher said during his meeting with Mikati the two also discussed follow-up to the prime minister’s recent visit to the United Kingdom, “including our plans to enhance support for Lebanon’s stability.”