Remarks by Ambassador Hale following his Meeting with Prime Minister Salam

August 5, 2014
I just met with Prime Minister Salam.  The United States has been following the situation in Arsal very closely.  The Prime Minister just briefed me on the latest there, and I saw General Kahwagi on Sunday morning as well.  Throughout and this morning I reiterated United States support for the LAF and all of Lebanon's security services in their work to secure Lebanon's borders, protect Lebanon from terrorism, and insulate Lebanon from regional conflicts through the dissociation policy.  The United States commends the bravery of the members of Lebanon's security services and particularly the Army as they confront these unprecedented threats.  They have all of our confidence and sympathy.
Obviously, condemnations and moral support, while important, are not enough.  Our assistance program with the LAF is longstanding, ongoing, and is helping the LAF to meet this challenge.  We are in close consultation with our partners in the LAF.  We are committed to further efforts to build up the capabilities of the Lebanese security forces to counter terrorism and address other challenges.  Lebanon can count on continued American support for the Lebanese Army.