President Michel Aoun met on Tuesday afternoon at Baabda Palace with US Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs, Anne Patterson, in the presence of US Ambassador to Lebanon, Elizabeth Richard and members of the accompanying delegation.
Aoun thanked Patterson for her visit and sent his greetings to Kerry.
The President expressed the desire of Lebanon in the continuation of American aid to the military and security institutions to enable them to complete their duties, “especially that the army has achieved great success in the pre-emptive security operations carried out as part of his war against terrorism.”
On the other hand, Aoun asserted that “the Syrian refugees’ tragedy will end through a political solution to the Syrian crisis”.
For her part, Patterson conveyed Aoun a verbal message from US Secretary of State, John Kerry in which he congratulated Aoun on his election as President, and the willingness of the United States to continue to support Lebanon politically, militarily and financially to enable it to cope with the anticipated deadlines.
Patterson stressed her country’s appreciation for the care provided by Lebanon to the displaced Syrians and the need to provide the necessary assistance to enable it (Lebanon) to continue to do that.
On the other hand, Patterson praised the army’s role in combating terrorism and enhancing stability in the country, renewing her country’s support for the army.
