Jones meets Geagea, Jumblatt; reiterates US support to Lebanon

           
Lebanese Forces Chief Samir Geagea, met the U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary for Near East Affairs Elizabeth Jones in his Maarab residence on Wednesday evening with the current situation both in Lebanon and Syria featuring high on the agenda.                                     

American Ambassadress to Lebanon, Maura Connelly, and head of Information Lebanese Center in Washington and Lebanese Forces Official in North America, Joseph Jbeili, attended the meeting alongside Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Jean Kahwagi, Acting Internal Security Forces Director General Brigadier General Robert Jabbour, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly, UN Resident Coordinator Robert Watkins, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Resident Representative Ninette Kelley.                             

In her meetings, she reiterated that the Lebanese people deserve a government that reflects their aspirations and strengthen Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty and independence.  She further expressed support for President Sleiman’s and other leaders’ efforts to consult on transitioning to a new government.                  

Jones further praised the importance of the work of the United Nations to provide assistance to Syrian, Iraqi, and Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and the region.