Thursday, February 23, 2012

Vice Admiral Fox Visits Lebanon

February 21, 2012 - U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Commander Vice Admiral Mark I. Fox visited Lebanon today and met with Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Jean Kahwagi and Lebanese Naval Commander Rear Admiral Nazih Baroudi to discuss bilateral military cooperation.
In his meetings, Vice Admiral Fox emphasized the strong and sustained naval cooperation between the two countries.
 

Friday, February 17, 2012

Special Coordinator Frederic Hof Visits Lebanon

February 16, 2012
Special Coordinator for Regional Affairs Frederic Hof visited Lebanon today and met with President of the Chamber of Deputies Speaker Nabih Berri and other senior government officials to discuss Lebanon's maritime boundaries.
Mr. Hof encouraged Lebanon to continue its engagement to resolve its maritime boundaries. He supported the development of offshore oil and gas reserves in a manner that contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity.
Mr. Hof renewed the United States' commitment to a stable, sovereign, and independent Lebanon.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Major General Bartlett Visits Lebanon

February 13, 2012 - U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Director of Exercises and Training Major General R. Benjamin Bartlett visited Lebanon today and met with Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Jean Kahwagi and other senior military officials to discuss bilateral military cooperation.  
In his meetings, General Bartlett emphasized the strong and sustained military cooperation between the two countries as well as Lebanon's initiatives to implement its obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701. 
General Bartlett renewed the United States' commitment to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon.  He underscored U.S. CENTCOM's support in strengthening the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces, recognizing its importance in serving as Lebanon's sole legitimate defense force to secure Lebanon's borders and defend the sovereignty and independence of the state. 



The Disappearance of former Syrian Vice President Shibli al-Ayasamy

February 13, 2012 - U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met with Ms. Rajaa Sharafeddine, the daughter of former Syrian Vice President Shibli al-Ayasamy.  The Ambassador expressed her deep concern about the disappearance of al-Ayasamy and shared her support for the family. 
The United States is deeply troubled by reports of disappearances, arrests, and intimidation of Syrians in Lebanon undertaken by the Syrian regime and its supporters.  Refugees, dissenters, and deserters who renounce violence should be protected, and we urge the Lebanese government to work closely with the international community to address the humanitarian needs of those who have fled to Lebanon from the ongoing violence in Syria.