US ambassador welcomes refugee strategy

US Ambassador Maura Connelly welcomed a comprehensive Lebanese plan to accommodate the rising number of Syrian refugees entering the country, during a meeting with Energy Minister Gebran Bassil on Friday. “The Ambassador welcomed the Cabinet\'s decision to adopt a comprehensive plan to meet the needs of refugees from Syria,” the US Embassy quoted Connelly as saying, also celebrating the government’s decision to “continue to meet its international humanitarian obligations, including maintaining an open border and protecting refugees from harassment.” According to an embassy statement, Connelly recognised the urgent need for international assistance in the humanitarian crisis created by increased refugee flows, reiterating the US’s commitment to addressing the needs of Syrian refugees and countries currently receiving them. “To date, the United States has provided approximately $210 million in humanitarian assistance to those inside Syria and those who have fled to neighbouring countries,” she added.