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
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
posted by philippe at 6:24 AM
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