U.S. Ambassador Meets with LAF Commander General Kahwagi

August 5, 2013
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met with Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Jean Kahwagi today.  Ambassador Connelly and the General discussed the security situation in Lebanon and U.S. support for the LAF.
Ambassador Connelly congratulated General Kahwagi on his term extension and underscored the United States' continued commitment to strengthening the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces, which as Lebanon's sole legitimate defense force has the responsibility of securing Lebanon's borders and defending the sovereignty and independence of the state.
Ambassador Connelly expressed the United States' appreciation for the efforts of the LAF and the Internal Security 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.
She renewed the commitment of the United States to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon.