Hale Meets Berri, Condemns those Seeking to Sow Chaos in Lebanon

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale commended on Monday the bravery of the personnel of the Lebanese Armed Forces, “who are working to keep the northern city of Tripoli and northern region Akkar safe for all residents” in light of the recent clashes.

He said after holding talks with Speaker Nabih Berri: “We condemn those who seek to sow chaos and discord in Lebanon and are confident the Lebanese people stand united in the face of this threat.”

“The army and the state’s security institutions alone have the legitimate role of defending Lebanon, under the direction of the government,” he added.

“I can say speaking for the United States of America, the Lebanese army has all of our confidence and we will continue to support it and the government as they battle to keep Lebanon safe and secure,” stressed the ambassador.

“Lebanon’s unity and security are important to Lebanon as they are to the world,” Hale remarked.

“We join Lebanon as it mourns the loss of the soldiers and officers who have died defending Lebanon from terrorist groups,” he said.

“We are encouraged by the strong stand of Prime Minister Tammam Salam in this regard, and that of other leaders,” he continued.

This week, representatives of many states will gather in Berlin to discuss ways to support Lebanon and other countries affected by the spillover of the war in Syria, Hale added.

Salam traveled to Berlin earlier on Monday to attend the talks.

Clashes erupted in Tripoli between the army and militants on Friday, leaving scores of soldiers, civilians, and gunmen dead.

Soldiers on Monday entered Tripoli's Bab al-Tabbaneh neighborhood where thousands of civilians had fled the fighting over the weekend.