Hale Says Lebanon Can Count on U.S. Support if It Continues Responsible Approach on Refugees

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale on Thursday announced that Lebanon can count on Washington’s support if it continues to address the refugee crisis in a “responsible and practical way.”

“Over just the last 48 hours, the United States has announced an additional $112 million of support for Lebanon. That is a tangible commitment, and I think you can count on our continued support so long as Lebanon continues to address these crises in a responsible and practical way that we’ve seen it do so today,” Hale said after meeting Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam in Mousaitbeh.

Earlier on Thursday, the U.S. ambassador met with Speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati.

“The purpose of these consultations was to discuss how to follow up on the very good meetings that were held in New York: the meeting between our Presidents, President (Barack) Obama and President (Michel) Suleiman on Tuesday, and last night’s meeting of the International Support Group that brought together leaders from around the world to demonstrate the political support that we all feel in the international community for Lebanon,” Hale said.

“Specifically, support for the Lebanese Armed Forces for the efforts of the Lebanese to manage the effects of the consequences of the flow of refugees from Syria into this country and for Lebanon’s economic development,” he added.

Hale revealed that the U.S. approved overnight Wednesday “another $30 million for immediate direct assistance to help the local communities that are dealing with the impact of the refugee crisis.”

On Tuesday, the U.S. earmarked $8.7 million in military assistance to the Lebanese army and more than $74 million to "help Lebanon cope with the growing refugee crisis."