Hale: US is deploying diplomatic efforts to avoid strike against Syria

U.S. ambassador to Lebanon David Hale met on Tuesday with Vice President of the Higher Shiite Islamic Council Sheikh Abdel Amir Qabalan.

Following the meeting, Hale hailed the religious diversity in Lebanon, adding that Lebanon's stability resides in mutual respect, cooperation and coexistence among all sects.

Both officials stressed the importance of Lebanon's adherence to the dissociation policy in terms of the Syrian crisis.

On Syria, Hale noted that the US is deploying all possible efforts to find a diplomatic solution to avoid a strike against Damascus.

Talks also tackled the case of the Lebanese pilgrims held in Syria's Aazaz.

The ambassador is set to meet with Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Rai later in the day.

The United States has been seeking international support for limited strikes against Assad's government, which it accuses of using chemical weapons in the August 21st assault near Damascus.

The U.S. cites intelligence reports as saying the attack killed at least 1,429 people, including more than 400 children, though other estimates are much lower.

President Barack Obama is also seeking authorization from Congress for the strikes.

Assad's regime denies the allegations and blames rebels, whom it calls terrorists, for staging strikes to gain international sympathy.


LBCI/REUTERS