U.S. Ambassador Meets with MP Sleiman Franjieh

March 1, 2012
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met with Al-Marada leader MP Sleiman Franjieh today at his residence in Bneshey. The Ambassador and MP Franjieh discussed the political and security situation in Lebanon and the current situation in Syria.
Ambassador Connelly expressed the United States' deep concern that the Syrian regime continues its violent oppression of the Syrian people, including the ongoing assault on Homs. She called for the immediate cessation of attacks against civilians and safe conduct of humanitarian assistance to the beleaguered Syrian people. She underscored U.S. concerns that developments in Syria not contribute to instability in Lebanon.
Ambassador Connelly also raised concerns regarding Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn's recent trip to Iran and his statements from Tehran that suggest the Minister's discussions could potentially lead to violations by Lebanon of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1747 and 1929. She further reiterated the United States view that Lebanon must respect all of its international obligations.
She renewed the commitment of the United States to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon