Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Statement on Attack on U.N. Forces in Lebanon

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
May 27, 2011
2011/854
STATEMENT BY MARK TONER, DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON


Attack on UNIFIL


The United States condemns the attack on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Our condolences go out to the victims of this attack, Italian nationals serving the cause of peace and two Lebanese civilians. We call on the Government of Lebanon to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances of the attack and ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
The United States continues to support UNIFIL's mandate to monitor the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon; accompany and support the Lebanese Armed Forces as they deploy throughout southern Lebanon; facilitate humanitarian access to civilian populations and the safe return of displaced persons; and assist the Lebanese Armed Forces to establish an area free of unauthorized armed personnel, materiel, and weapons.
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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/iipdigital-en/index.html)

Friday, May 27, 2011

U.S. Embassy Delegation Visits North Lebanon to Survey Situation of Syrians Fleeing Violence.

On May 26, 2011, a delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon traveled to northern Lebanon to follow up on the status of Syrian civilians who have fled the violence in Syria. The delegation also investigated press reports that Lebanese security agencies have repatriated some of these displaced people to Syria against their will. The United States calls upon on the Lebanese government to work with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and other international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross to fulfill its obligations under international law to provide protection to Syrian citizens fleeing to Lebanese territory regarding their potential refugee status.
SOURCE: EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES, BEIRUT.LEBANON

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

U.S. Makes Equipment Delivery to LAF at Hamat Airfield

On May 24, 2011, the United States delivered equipment to the Lebanese Armed Forces at the Hamat Airfield via C-130 aircraft, the first time an aircraft of this size and type has landed at Hamat Airfield. U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly and senior LAF and U.S. military officers were on hand to observe the delivery.

This delivery contained infrastructure for the construction of a 150 by 50 foot maintenance tent that the LAF’s helicopter mechanics can use to conduct maintenance on helicopter engines.

The maintenance tent is part of a broader project to provide hangars for the LAF’s helicopter fleet at Hamat to protect them from high winds, and install flood lighting for the airfield to facilitate safer flying in periods of darkness.

This delivery comes as part of the United States’ ongoing support for the LAF at Hamat Airfield. The U.S. military has also helped the LAF with improving the training facilities at Hamat, providing over $1.5 million for the construction of a facility for LAF units to conduct military live fire training.
SOURCE: EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES, BEIRUT.LEBANON

Monday, May 23, 2011

U.S. Army General Visits LAF Leadership.

May 23, 2011
U.S. Army Brigadier General John W. Charlton, the Deputy Director for Middle East Political-Military Affairs in the Policy and Plans Directorate of the Joint Staff in the Pentagon, visited Lebanon on May 19-20, 2011 to hold discussions with the Lebanese Armed Forces Leadership concerning bilateral military programs.

During a visit to LAF headquarters, General Charlton expressed the United States’ regret for the loss of life and sympathy for those killed and wounded on Lebanon’s southern border on May 15. He asked for clarification of the events and emphasized the importance of maintaining strong border security on all fronts.

Charlton called on the LAF to bolster its efforts to fulfill its mission south of the Litani River as required under UNSCR 1701 and thereby prevent incidents that increase tensions along the Blue Line.


Charlton also indicated that the U.S. government is monitoring with great concern the continued violence against civilians in Syria. In response to press reports that some Syrian civilians have fled to Lebanon and Lebanese security agencies have repatriated some of these displaced people to Syria against their will, he reminded LAF officials that the GOL should closely coordinate with UNHCR regarding their potential refugee status and comply with all international obligations.

He also visited UNIFIL headquarters and LAF units in the south. He observed and acknowledged the many challenges the LAF faces in meeting its UNSCR 1701 requirements, and stressed the importance of a strong U.S.-LAF partnership to further bolster its institutional capacity.

Brigadier General Charlton expressed his appreciation of the LAF partnership and looks forward to furthering cooperation between the US military and the LAF by hosting a senior Lebanese military delegation in Washington, DC in the near future.
Source: Embasssy Of The UNITED STATES, BEIRUT.LEBANON

Friday, May 20, 2011

Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman Visits Lebanon.

On May 20, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and North African Affairs Jeffrey Feltman visited Lebanon to deliver a message that the U.S. views the revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa as an historic opportunity to meet the aspirations of the people of the region, building a stronger foundation for prosperity and showing people the fruits of democratic change. During his visit, Assistant Secretary Feltman held meetings with a number of Lebanese officials including President Michel Sleiman, Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati, former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, and MP Walid Jumblatt.

Echoing the message of President Obama’s speech on the Middle East, Assistant Secretary Feltman outlined U.S.’s position on the democratic changes sweeping across the region through clear and unwavering support for a set of core principles: opposition to the use of violence and repression; protection for universal rights including free speech, peaceful assembly, freedom of religion, equality for men and women; and support for political and economic change in the Middle East and North Africa that can meet the legitimate aspirations of people throughout the region.

Assistant Secretary Feltman reiterated the U.S.’s view that the international community will assess its relationship with any new government of Lebanon based on the make-up of the next cabinet, its Ministerial Statement and the actions it takes in regard to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and Lebanon’s other international obligations. Assistant Secretary Feltman reconfirmed that the United States considers the make-up of Lebanon’s government to be strictly a Lebanese decision and called on all parties in Lebanon to protect the government formation process from any external interference.

Assistant Secretary Feltman also expressed the United States’ serious concern about the ongoing violence in Syria, condemning the Syrian government’s continued use of violence and intimidation against the Syrian people. He called upon the Syrian regime and its supporters to refrain from further acts of violence and other human rights abuses against Syrian citizens seeking to express their political aspirations. The Assistant Secretary also conveyed the United States’ concern about reports of Syrian civilians being forced to flee to safe haven inside Lebanon and called on the Lebanese government to work with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and other international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross to fulfill its obligations under international law to provide protection to Syrian citizens fleeing the violence in Syria.

The Assistant Secretary also noted the United States’ concern about events on Lebanon's southern border on May 15. He emphasized the importance of maintaining strong border security on all of Lebanon’s borders in order to prevent incidents that increase tensions that can lead to casualties and negatively impact the security of the region.
US.Beirut Ambassy Press Release

Friday, May 13, 2011

Ambassador Connelly Visits PM-designate Najib Mikati

On May 12, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met with Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati and discussed with him the U.S. administration's developing view on the dramatic events that have occurred and continue to occur in the region.  Ambassador Connelly expressed the U.S. government's view that the governments of the region ought to listen to their people, refrain from violence, and engage in political dialogue in order to insure that the legitimate changes and reforms they demand can begin to be implemented.

The United States views that the international community will assess its relationship with any new government of Lebanon based on the make-up of the next cabinet, its Ministerial Statement and the actions it takes in regard to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and Lebanon's other international obligations.  The U.S. hopes that the government formation process will be protected from outside influence.  The U.S. continues its support for Lebanon's sovereignty, stability, and prosperity, and calls on the next Lebanese government to provide stability and promote justice for the people of Lebanon by honoring its international agreements. A government that is truly representative of the interests of the people of Lebanon will continue to support and sustain the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.