Burns Concludes Lebanon Visit, Expresses U.S. Interest to Keep Lebanon Away from Syrian Crisis

Deputy Secretary of State William Burns completed his two-day visit to Lebanon on Friday and acknowledged Lebanon’s disassociation policy from the developments in Syria, said the U.S. Embassy in a statement.

He reiterated “U.S. interest in keeping Lebanon insulated from the violence in Syria.”

Burns met on Friday with senior officials to discuss the political and security situation in Lebanon, developments in Syria, and other regional issues.

He held talks with Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Najib Miqati, former Prime Minister Fouad Saniora, and Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji.

He reiterated the United States’ strong, continuing commitment to a stable, sovereign, and independent Lebanon and welcomed efforts made by the Lebanese government and political leaders, as well as the army and the Internal Security Forces, to work together to maintain calm in Lebanon.

He further welcomed Lebanon’s payment of its 2012 contributions to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon as “an important demonstration of its respect for Lebanon’s international commitments.”

“The work of the Tribunal is a chance for Lebanon to move beyond its long history of impunity for political violence,” said the embassy statement.

In addition, he Burns welcomed “the generosity of the Lebanese people and the efforts of the government to provide humanitarian assistance to displaced Syrians in Lebanon and encouraged the government to continue to work with the international community to assist those in need.”

He stressed “the importance of protecting all displaced Syrians, including dissenters and deserters who have rejected violence, in keeping with Lebanon’s international humanitarian obligations.”

Burns met with Premier Najib Miqati on Thursday night. U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly attended the meeting at the Grand Serail.