Connelly Meets Miqati: Lebanon’s Commitments to STL Extend beyond Issue of Funding

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly welcomed on Wednesday Prime Minister Najib Miqati’s announcement that he had transferred funds Lebanon is obligated to pay to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, said the U.S. Embassy in a statement.

She noted that Lebanon’s commitments to the tribunal extend beyond the issue of funding alone.

Fulfilling these obligations are important indicators of the Lebanese government’s commitment to both Lebanon’s interests and its international duties, she added during the meeting at the Grand Serail.

Addressing the firing of rockets from southern Lebanon into Israel on Tuesday, Connelly deemed it a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

She stressed that Lebanon should take all necessary measures to support the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon’s investigation in the matter.

She urged all parties “to respect the Blue Line and exercise restraint, reiterating the United States’ call for Lebanon to ensure its armed forces serve as Lebanon’s sole defense force, which is capable of securing its borders and defending the sovereignty and independence of the state.”

The ambassador and Prime Minister also discussed the political and security situation in Lebanon and the current developments in Syria.

Connelly expressed the United States’ concern for the plight of Syrian refugees and displaced persons in Lebanon, encouraging the Lebanese government to work closely with the international community to address their humanitarian needs and ensure their safety, added the embassy statement.

She renewed the commitment of the United States to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon.