Clinton’s Deputy Urges Govt. to Address Needs of Displaced Syrians in Lebanon

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Kelly Clements welcomed on Thursday the work of Lebanon’s Higher Relief Council in assisting those in need, announced the U.S. Embassy in a statement.

She urged “the Lebanese government to continue to work closely with the international community to address the humanitarian needs and to ensure the safety of displaced Syrians in Lebanon”.

Clements had made her remarks during her visit to Lebanon “where she met with senior officials to discuss and monitor the status of Palestinian and Iraqi refugees and displaced Syrians present in Lebanon.”

She underscored the United States’ “continuing commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Syria in their country and those who have fled violence to neighboring countries.”

Clements held meetings with Higher Relief Council Secretary General General Ibrahim Bashir, senior representatives of President Michel Suleiman and Prime Minister Najib Miqati, United Nations officials, including U.N. Resident Representative Robert Watkins, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Lebanon Representative Ninette Kelley, U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Acting Director Roger Davies, and non-governmental leaders.

During this fiscal year, the United States has provided $52 million in emergency aid through contributions to international and non-governmental partners.

Clements reiterated the United States’ steadfast support to Palestinian and Iraqi refugees in the region.

She further renewed the commitment of the United States to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon.