BEIRUT: The U.S. supports the endorsement of a new law for the parliamentary elections in Lebanon and encourages the country to hold elections on time, a statement from the U.S. ambassador said.

“The United States welcomes Lebanese efforts to implement an electoral law that would pave the way for free, fair and transparent elections,” said the statement issued Monday by Ambassor Maura Connelly.

Conelly’s statement came following a meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain al-Tineh in which they discussed the political and security situation in Lebanon and regional events, particularly in Syria.

“The ambassador encourages Lebanon to uphold its democratic and constitutional principles and hold elections on time,” the statement said.

The ambassador also renewed the commitment of the U.S. to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon.

A parliamentary subcommittee formed in October to discuss a draft law for the coming 2013 elections scheduled to take place in June will resume meetings on Jan. 8.

The resumption of meetings comes two months after the March 14-led opposition lawmakers said they could not take part of discussions for security reasons.

The subcommittee is reportedly set to hold weeklong intensive meetings to reach an agreement over a new law for the coming elections.