With hostilities and violence continue unabated in Syria, the United States of America today voiced concerned that developments in Syria are contributing to instability in Lebanon.
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton encourages all parties to exercise restraint and demonstrate respect for Lebanon’s security and stability, consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701.
The United States renews call on the Syrian regime to stop the violence against its own people and fully implement the Annan Plan.
The regime needs to institute a peaceful, democratic transition now, Ms. Clinton noted.
Ms. Clinton stresses that the United States remains committed to a unified, stable, sovereign, and independent Lebanon.
Earlier this week, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed concern violence in Syria could spill over into neighboring Lebanon and warned it could develop into a full-blown civil war.
Reports say two people were killed and at least 18 others were wounded in the clashes that erupted earlier this week in Lebanon. The clashes reportedly involved pro- and anti-Assad regime groups.
The violence in Syria, which began in March 2011 as a protest movement similar to those witnessed across the Middle East and North Africa, has claimed over 9,000 lives, mostly civilians, and displaced tens of thousands.
