Army Commander-in-Chief General Joseph Aoun conferred Thursday with the British, American and Canadian ambassadors within the framework of the High Level Steering Committee (HLSC) to discuss security on the Lebanese-Syrian border.
A statement by the UK embassy said the talks also tackled the situation in South Lebanon and the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
“With General Aoun I stressed the need for a cessation of hostilities across the Blue Line and for a renewed commitment to implementing Resolution 1701,” British Ambassador Hamish Cowell was quoted as saying after the meeting.
“Ongoing hostilities in South Lebanon only serve to delay any long-term solution for peace,” he added.
Cowell conveyed his condolences to General Aoun for the death of a Lebanese soldier in a reported Israeli attack in South Lebanon during the ongoing confrontations with Hezbollah.
“I am, as ever, impressed by the outstanding work of the Lebanese Armed Forces officers and soldiers during this challenging time,” Cowell said.
He underlined that since 2009, the UK has committed over £99 million to support the optimization of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) capabilities, including through development and modernization.
“We are proud of our contribution to building the LAF’s reputation as a respected, professional armed force able to defend Lebanon and provide security along its border with Syria.”
The HLSC oversees internationally funded efforts to support the four Land Border Regiments to continue to deliver external security and reinforce the authority of the Lebanese State along its land border with Syria.
Cowell was accompanied by his counterparts, US Ambassador Dorothy Shea and Canadian Ambassador Stefanie McCollum.
