BEIRUT: U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly stressed Tuesday the importance her government placed on the Lebanese Army to protect members of the Syrian opposition living in Lebanon.

“Ambassador Connelly emphasized the importance the United States places on the Lebanese Armed Forces’ role in protecting members of the Syrian opposition residing in Lebanon, as one of Lebanon’s international legal obligations that also include support and funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon,” a statement from the U.S. Embassy said Tuesday.

The statement was issued after Connelly met with Lebanon’s Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn Tuesday.

“Ambassador Connelly reiterated the U.S. government’s support for and assistance to the Lebanese [Army] as well as the U.S. and international community’s expectations that Lebanon and the Lebanese [Army] fulfill their commitment to implement [U.N. Security Council Resolution] 1701 and continue to work to improve Lebanon’s border security,” the statement said.