U.S. Calls for 'Insulating' Lebanon, Says Committed to 'Build up' Army's Capabilities

U.S. Ambassador David Hale said Tuesday that Lebanon should be “insulated” from the region's conflicts and reiterated Washington's commitment to build the capabilities of the Lebanese army and police.

Hale said he reiterated to Prime Minister Tammam Salam U.S. support for the Lebanese army and all Lebanese security services in “their work to secure” Lebanon’s borders, protect it from terrorism and “insulate” the country from regional conflicts through its dissociation policy.

The Army has been battling terrorists in the northeastern border town of Arsal since Saturday.

The clashes erupted when troops detained Imad Ahmed Jomaa, who identified himself as a member of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front — one of the most powerful rebel groups fighting against Syrian President Bashar Assad.

“The U.S. is committed to further efforts to build up the capabilities of Lebanon's security forces to counter terrorism and address other challenges,” said Hale.

“Our assistance program with the Lebanese Army is longstanding, ongoing,” and is helping it to “meet this challenge,” he said after meeting with Salam at the Grand Serail.

“Lebanon can count on continued American support for the Lebanese Army,” he added.

The diplomat lauded the “bravery” of the army and security forces “as they confront these unprecedented threats.”

“They have all of our confidence and sympathy,” he said.

G.K.

M.T.