U.S. calls to avoid exacerbation over Syria crisis

BEIRUT, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Visiting special assistant to U.S. President and White House coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa and Gulf Region Philip Gordon expressed Tuesday the United States' grave concern about the situation in Syria, calling on all parties in the region "to avoid any actions that would exacerbate the crisis in Syria."

According to a statement by the U.S. embassy in Beirut, Gordon condemned the continued shelling of Lebanese territory from Syria and Hezbollah's involvement in Syria, fighting on behalf of Bashar Assad the regime, "which risks drawing Lebanon into the conflict and is counter to the Lebanese government's policies."

The statement added that Gordon made his remarks during a visit to Lebanon during which he met with senior officials and reiterated the United States' support for the principles of the Baabda Declaration and Lebanon's dissociation policy.

He underscored the United States' continued commitment to Lebanon to provide assistance to refugees as well as support for Lebanese host communities.

As part of this ongoing U.S. commitment, Gordon announced an additional 10 million U.S. dollars in assistance for Lebanese host communities and Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

He renewed the United States' commitment to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon and conveyed the United States' appreciation for ongoing efforts by responsible Lebanese leaders to preserve Lebanon's stability and to fulfill its international obligations.

He also expressed U.S. support for the extraordinary efforts exerted by Lebanese leaders to adhere to Lebanon's legal and constitutional framework to hold timely parliamentary elections.

Gordon commended the Lebanese government and the generosity of the Lebanese people for hosting and supporting over 463,000 refugees from Syria who have fled the "brutal violence of the Syrian regime."

He welcomed the Lebanese government's continued efforts to meet its humanitarian obligations to keep its borders open for refugees in need, provide protection and work with the international community to provide assistance.

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