Ambassador Connelly Meets ISF General Rifi

May 23, 2012 -U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met today with the Commander of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) General Ashraf Rifi in his offices at ISF headquarters.  Ambassador Connelly and the General discussed the security situation in Lebanon and U.S. support for the ISF.

Ambassador Connelly expressed the United States' dedication to assist the ISF to develop into a modern professional police force that serves and protects all of Lebanon's citizens.  She expressed the United States' appreciation for the efforts of the ISF and the Lebanese Armed Forces to work together to maintain calm in Lebanon.  She emphasized U.S. concern for the current security situation in Lebanon and called on all parties to exercise restraint and respect for Lebanon's security and stability.  The Ambassador underscored that the U.S. remains concerned that developments in Syria not contribute to instability in Lebanon.

She renewed the commitment of the United States to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon.