The Daily Star - U.S. refugee official visits Lebanon, June 15 2012

BEIRUT: A United States official responsible for refugee issues finished a trip to Lebanon Thursday after meeting with government leaders to discuss the situation of Syrian, Palestinian and Iraqi refugees, according to a press release from the U.S. Embassy.

During her meetings, Kelly Clements, a deputy assistant secretary of state, commended the work of the Higher Relief Committee to assist people in need and encouraged it to work closely with the international community to help displaced Syrians, the release said.

She highlighted her country’s commitment to aiding Syrian refugees; the U.S. has provided $52 million of emergency contributions this year to international and NGO groups, the statement said.

Clements met with the head of the HRC, General Ibrahim Bashir, and representatives of President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

U.S. officials have recently urged their Lebanese counterparts to provide more assistance to Syrian refugees in the country.

Clements also met with U.N. officials, including a United Nations Higher Commissioner for Refugees representative and the U.N. resident representative. The UNHCR is currently providing assistance for some 26,000 Syrians in Lebanon.

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2012/Jun-15/176904-us-refugee-official-visits-lebanon.ashx#axzz1xnReWakn