Syrian Incursion into Lebanon Sparks Sharp Response

Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) condemned the Assad regime in Syria for violating Lebanese sovereignty and reiterated his call for an end of Assad rule. Chabot stated that he was “appalled by reports of the kidnapping of Syrian dissidents in Lebanon by agents and allies of the Syrian regime. In a further violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, the Syrian army continues to enter Lebanese territory in clear violation of international law.” Chabot further urged the Lebanese government to take all available action to “protect its citizens, to secure its borders, and to protect Syrian refugees and dissidents who have fled the bloody Assad regime.”

The General Secretariat for the March 14 Coalition in Lebanon also condemned the violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and stated that the Coalition “rejects the complete violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, Constitution, human rights and freedoms, and accuses the Syrian regime, Hezbollah and the state security forces of being responsible for them.” The Coalition also called for “called for increasing efforts to demarcate the Lebanese-Syrian border with the help of the Arab League.”