In Maarab, Connelly Urges Insulating Lebanon from 'Effects of Syria Violence'

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly on Friday said “the United States calls on all parties to work together to insulate Lebanon from the effects of the violence in Syria resulting from the Assad regime’s brutal crackdown on the Syrian people.”

Speaking after a meeting with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea in Maarab, Connelly said she discussed with the LF leader their “deep concern over the destabilizing actions of Syria in Lebanon.” 

“The United States remains gravely concerned about Syria’s continued shelling of and incursions into Lebanon’s border region. The responsibility for the violence in Syria and the violence that threatens to spill over from Syria falls squarely on the Assad regime,” she added.

"Dr. Geagea and I also discussed the political environment in Lebanon and plans for the 2013 parliamentary elections," Connelly said, adding that "the United States welcomes Lebanese efforts to implement an electoral law that would pave the way for free, fair and transparent elections."

She also encouraged Lebanon to "uphold its democratic and constitutional principles and hold elections on time."