REPORT: Burns voices US support to LAF, slams Hezbollah's involvement in the Syrian crisis

US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns slammed the decision to postpone the parliamentary elections, noting that it undermines the people's confidence in the state and the government.

During a press conference held on Monday at the Beirut international airport, Burns pointed out to the issue of Syrian refugees, noting that his country is ready to help Lebanon through the Security Council and the United Nations' General Assembly in a bid to lessen the burden. 

Burns also noted that "the US administration will provide more aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces since they have played a key role in maintaining security and stability in the country."          
"The US is committed to supporting the LAF as well as Lebanon's sovereignty," Burns added.  

On another note, Burns condemned "Hezbollah's military involvement in Syria," accusing the group of endangering Lebanon.

He added that "Hezbollah's involvement in the Syrian crisis does not serve Lebanon's interests but that of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iran."

Earlier in the day, President Michel Sleiman held a meeting at the Baabda Palace with US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns and US ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly, the state-run National News Agency reported.         

Talks featured high on the regional situation, mainly in neighboring Syria, and the ongoing consultations in regards to Geneva II Conference.                

Both the American and the Lebanese sides stressed the need to find a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis, rejecting foreign intervention in the internal conflict.          

For her part, Connelly voiced the support of US President Barack Obama to Sleiman's efforts in maintaining stability and adopting the policy of dissociation based on the Baabda declaration.          


To watch the full report, please click on the video above