U.S. stresses commitment to Lebanon's initiative to implement UNSCR 1701

Source : Xinhua

BEIRUT, May 2 (Xinhua) -- A visiting U.S. defense official said Thursday that the United States supports Lebanon's initiatives to implement its obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701.

UNSCR 1701, which ended the Israel-Hezbollah War in 2006, expanded the mandate of UN troops in southern Lebanon and pressed Israel to end violations of Lebanon's airspace and to withdraw from northern Ghajar village.

William Wechsler, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for special operations and combating terrorism, stressed the strong and sustained military cooperation between the two countries and his country's commitment to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon, according to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Beirut.

Wechsler emphasized continuing joint efforts between the two sides to strengthen the capacity of Lebanese army as the "sole legitimated defense force in securing Lebanon's borders and defending the sovereignty and independence of the state."

Meanwhile, he discussed with Lebanese army Commander General Jean Qahwaji about the local political and security situation and other regional issues, said the statement.