U.S. Urges Lebanon to Provide Humanitarian Assistance to All Syrian Refugees
U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly encouraged Lebanese authorities on Tuesday to provide the humanitarian needs of all Syrian refugees, including dissenters and deserters.
An embassy statement said that following talks with Interior Minister Marwan Charbel at his office in Hamra, Connelly “recognized Lebanon’s efforts to provide assistance to Syrians fleeing the violence in their country.”
“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,” it said.
In her talks with Charbel, Connelly stressed the Lebanese government’s right and responsibility to secure its borders.
She “called for the protection of all disarmed Syrians, including members of the Free Syrian Army,” and reaffirmed Washington’s “concern for the disappearance and kidnappings of Syrian nationals in Lebanon.”
The ambassador also reiterated U.S. concerns that developments in Syria not contribute to instability in Lebanon.
The embassy statement noted that Connelly and Charbel discussed the political and security situation in Lebanon and the current situation in Syria.
Discussions also focused on U.S. support for training the Internal Security Forces, it added.
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