During a meeting to discuss security on the Lebanese-Syrian border, British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell expressed his condolences for the death of a Lebanese soldier in Lebanon last week and called for the restoration of calm on the Blue Line.

Cowell, U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea and Canadian Ambassador Stefanie McCollum met the Commander in Chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) General Joseph Aoun during the High Level Steering Committee (HLSC) to discuss security on the Lebanese-Syrian border.

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.

Following the meeting, Ambassador Cowell said: “It was an honor to meet General Aoun to discuss positive progress on the border project. I was saddened to hear about the death of a LAF soldier in south Lebanon last week. I convey my deepest sympathies to his family and comrades."

“With General Aoun I stressed the need for a cessation of hostilities across the Blue Line and for a renewed commitment to implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701," he added.

“Ongoing hostilities in South Lebanon only serve to delay any long term solution for peace," Cowell warned.

“I am, as ever, impressed by Lebanese Armed Forces’ outstanding work of its officers and soldiers during this challenging time. Since 2009, the UK has committed over £99 million to support optimization of LAF capabilities, including through development and modernization," Cowell added.

"We are proud of our contribution to building the LAF’s reputation as a respected, professional armed forces able to defend Lebanon and provide security along its border with Syria," he said.