BEIRUT: The U.S. Ambassador in Lebanon David Hale welcomed Wednesday the government’s success in implementing security measures in Tripoli and the Bekaa Valley.
“The United States stands with the government, the security forces, and the people as they work toward peace,” Hale said while on a tour in north Lebanon that included Tripoli and the town of Bnashi in Zghorta.
“This is why my country has given more than $1 billion in support to the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces, and why we will continue to support those seeking to ensure peace, stability and prosperity.”
Hale also highlighted the government’s capacity to take effective action when it stood united.
“When there is political will, the security services are demonstrating they have the means to bring stability. I would like to especially thank the soldiers and officers on the ground here, and note their courage and dedication to this cause,” he added, according to a statement issued by his embassy.
In the northern capital, Hale met with the Mufti of Tripoli and north Lebanon Sheikh Malek al-Shaar.
“It is good to come back to Tripoli, a city I first visited in 1992 during my initial tour in Lebanon. I have come back on many occasions since then and look forward to returning,” he said after the meeting.
“Being here reminds me of the great respect I have for the people of Tripoli, who, like the mufti, work hard every day to strengthen rule of law, as well as counter violence and terrorism,” he said.
I have great respect for the moderate and peaceful citizens of Tripoli who, for too long, have suffered violence, terrorism, neglect and economic challenges,” he added.
In Bnashi, Hale met with the head of the Marada Movement Sleiman Frangieh and discussed local and regional issues, according to a statement issued by Frangieh’s office.
Source: The Daily Star