Elizabeth Jones: Lebanese Deserve a Govt. that Reflects Their Aspirations
U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Elizabeth Jones completed her several-day visit to Lebanon on Thursday after holding talks with senior officials on “the political, economic, and security situation in Lebanon and other regional issues,” the U.S. embassy said in a statement.
Accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly, Jones met on Thursday with Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat, Army Commander General Jean Qahwagi, Acting Internal Security Forces Director General Brig. Gen. Robert Jabbour, U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly, U.N. Resident Coordinator Robert Watkins, and U.N. 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 will strengthen Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty and independence,” according to the embassy's statement.
“She further expressed support for President (Michel) Suleiman’s and other responsible leaders’ efforts to consult on transitioning to a new government.”
Jones also praised the importance of the work of the United Nations to provide assistance to Syrian, Iraqi, and Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and the region.
She noted that the United States has provided over $132 million in humanitarian assistance to help people inside Syria and those displaced throughout the region.
The opposition March 14 camp has called on Prime Minister Najib Miqati's government to step down, accusing it of failing to provide stability and security and of trying to cover up for the Oct. 19 assassination of Internal Security Forces Intelligence Bureau head Maj. Gen. Wissam al-Hasan.
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