Statement by U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly on Syrian Cross-Border Violations

August 2, 201 - The U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly expressed her grave concern at the continued shelling of Lebanese territory, including today's incident deep in Lebanese territory, by Syrian regime forces. Reiterating the United States' commitment to a stable, sovereign, and independent Lebanon, the Ambassador said the U.S. expects the Syrian regime to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon.  Specifically regarding Syrian shooting across the border and reported incursions by Syrian troops, the Ambassador stressed that the responsibility for the violence in Syria and the violence that threatens to spill over from Syria falls squarely on the Asad regime. 
She praised the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces for their efforts to maintain calm in Lebanon, and supported the government's decision to increase the Lebanese Army's presence along the border with Syria.