Connelly calls for protection of all disarmed Syrians including FSA

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met with Minister of Interior and Municipalities Marwan Charbel on Tuesday at the Minister’s offices in Hamra.  Ambassador Connelly and Charbel discussed the political and security situation in Lebanon and the current situation in Syria.  They also discussed U.S. support for training the Internal Security Forces.

According to a statement issued by the embassy, Connelly recognized Lebanon’s efforts to provide assistance to Syrians fleeing the violence in their country and she encouraged the Lebanese government to continue its cooperation with the international community and provide for the humanitarian needs and safety of all Syrians who have fled to Lebanon, including dissenters and deserters. Connelly noted the Lebanese government’s right and responsibility to secure its borders, and called for the protection of all disarmed Syrians, including members of the Free Syrian Army.  She reaffirmed the United States’ concern for the disappearance and kidnappings of Syrian nationals in Lebanon. 

Connelly underscored U.S. concerns that developments in Syria not contribute to instability in Lebanon. She renewed the commitment of the United States to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon.  .