The American Embassy in Beirut distributed a statement to the "Friends of Lebanon" confirming support for Lebanon's sovereignty and arms exclusivity by the state, which read: "We, the embassies of Great Britain, the United States, Australia, Canada and Japan, and friends of Lebanon, confirm our strong support for the Lebanese government in ensuring the exclusive control of arms by the state, and that the state alone makes the decisions in matters of war and peace. We note the steps taken by the Lebanese authorities in the Dahr al-Bidar case, and we encourage a swift and independent judicial process, free from any political interference, to ensure full accountability. Also, it is necessary for Lebanon, in light of the current circumstances, to receive a public and clear commitment from all members of the House of Representatives and from all parties confirming their support for the statements of the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister that the State of Lebanon alone has the right to make decisions regarding war and peace. We also confirm our firm desire for the State of Lebanon to restore its full and effective sovereign authority over all its territories."