Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Ambassador Connelly met Minister of Defense Ghosn

On October 4, 2011, U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly met with Minister of Defense Fayez Ghosn. In their meeting, Ambassador Connelly reiterated the U.S. Government's support for and assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces as well as the U.S. and international community's expectations that Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces fulfill their commitment to implement UNSCR 1701 and continue to work to improve Lebanon's border security. They discussed General Jean Kahwagi's upcoming visit to the United States at the invitation of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin E. Dempsey, a further indication of the strong partnership between the United States and Lebanon, and a demonstration of U.S. support for the Lebanese Armed Forces. Additionally, Ambassador Connelly emphasized the importance the United States places on the Lebanese Armed Forces' role in protecting members of the Syrian opposition residing in Lebanon, as one of Lebanon's international legal obligations that also include support and funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.