US Ambassador to Lebanon says Beirut must remain neutral on Syria

The newly-appointed U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale said Tuesday that Beirut must remain neutral from the crisis in Syria.

Hale’s remarks came during a meeting with caretaker Finance Minister Mohammad Safadi.

Hale and Safadi discussed the economic and financial situation in Lebanon and assistance the government needs to cope with the growing number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

He renewed Washington’s support for Lebanon and its institutions, particularly the Lebanese Army.