Hale Meets Bassil: U.S. Support New Govt., People, Army in Comnbatting Terrorism

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale condemned in the “strongest terms possible” on Wednesday the terrorist bombing in the Bir Hassan neighborhood of Beirut.

He said: “We stand firmly with the new government, the people of Lebanon, the Lebanese army, and the Internal Security Forces as they combat terrorism.”

He made his remarks after holding talks with Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil after his appointment to his post at the ministry.

“These abhorrent acts of this wave of terrorism threaten the principles of stability, freedom, and safety that the people of Lebanon have worked so hard to uphold and we urge all parties to refrain from retaliatory acts that contribute to the cycle of violence,” continued the ambassador.

He also extended his deepest condolences to the victims and their families.

Talks with Bassil also focused on bilateral ties.

Hale said: “I look forward to working with him and the Foreign Ministry to advance our bilateral relations.”

“We stand ready to work side by side with Prime Minister Tammam Salam’s cabinet on the many challenges we face together,” declared the U.S. official.

The two officials also discussed the crisis in Syria and other regional issues.

“The United States remains committed to Lebanon’s freedom, prosperity, and stability,” stressed Hale.

“Together with the International Support Group for Lebanon, we will continue to work with the Lebanese to pave a way forward through the current challenges to reach these goals,” he added.

At least four people were killed on Wednesday in two suicide bombings that went off near an Iranian cultural center in Beirut's southern suburbs, an attack claimed by the al-Qaida linked Abdullah Azzam Brigades.

The group said that the attack came in response to Hizbullah's fighting in Syria's war.

The same neighborhood witnessed near simultaneous attacks in November when suicide bombers linked to the Brigades targeted the Iranian embassy.