U.S. Ambassador Expresses Condolences to General Kahwagi

February 4, 2013

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly called Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Jean Kahwagi today and expressed the United States' deepest condolences for LAF personnel killed and injured in Arsal. Those LAF personnel lost and injured were engaged in the fight against violent extremists and the Ambassador underscored the shared commitment of the U.S. and Lebanese Governments in that struggle.
In the phone call, the Ambassador underscored the United States' appreciation for the efforts of the Lebanese government as well as the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces to counter violent extremists who threaten the safety of all those in Lebanon.

The United States remains committed, along with the LAF, to the joint effort to strengthen the capacity of the LAF, recognizing its importance, as Lebanon's sole legitimate defense force, in securing Lebanon's borders and defending the sovereignty and independence of the state.