Beirut  – US Vice President Joe Biden arrived Friday in Beirut for talks with Lebanese officials, which will focus on the June 7 parliamentary elections.

Biden is accompanied by Jeffrey Feltman, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near-Eastern Affairs.

The US official flew from Beirut’s international airport to Lebanon’s presidential palace, to meet with President Michel Suleiman.

He is due to meet later with Prime Minister Fouad Seniora, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri as well as other Lebanese officials, US embassy sources in Beirut said.

Biden’s visit to Lebanon is aiming to “reinforce the United States’ support for an independent and sovereign Lebanon,” the White House said in a statement on Thursday.

The June 7 vote pits the western-backed majority against the Hezbollah-led opposition.

Heavy security measures were adopted by the Lebanese army across Beirut. (dpa)