US gravely concerned about violent clashes in Lebanese Sidon

The United States has voiced grave concern about the violent clashes in the Lebanese southern city of Sidon. The US condemned the attack on the Lebanese army, expressing its support to the calls for calm from several Lebanese officials. "The United States is gravely concerned by the violent clashes in Sidon, Lebanon. We condemn in the strongest terms the attacks by militants against the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), which have resulted in the deaths of a number of soldiers and civilians," US State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell told reporters. Ventrell reiterated Washington's strong backing to the calls for calm issued by Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati, Future Movement leader Saad Hariri, and other political as well as religious leaders, Ventrell added. The United States praises the efforts of the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces in working with political leaders to maintain peace and stability, and renews its commitment to continue providing training and equipment to assist security forces in their critical role of preserving Lebanon's unity," Ventrell said. Stressing that the US is fully committed to Lebanon's stability, sovereignty, and independence, Ventrell urged the international community to "stand with Lebanon and responsible Lebanese leaders in defense of the interests of the Lebanese people for a stable and sovereign country."