Expressing the sense of the Senate on the challenges the conflict in Syria poses to long-term stability and prosperity in Lebanon.

recognizes the importance of bilateral United States assistance to the Government of Lebanon in building its capacity to provide services and security for Lebanese citizens and curbing the influence of Hizbollah;

encourages continued coordination between the Department of State, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and humanitarian organizations to ensure that refugees from the conflict in Syria, including those in Lebanon, are supported in such a way as to mitigate any potentially adverse effect on their host countries;

recognizes that it is in the interest of the United States to seek a negotiated end to the conflict in Syria that includes the ultimate departure of Bashar al-Assad, which would allow for the eventual return of the millions of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, and other countries around the world;

supports full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701; and

recognizes the LAF as the sole institution entrusted with the defense of Lebanon’s sovereignty and supports United States partnerships with the LAF, particularly through the global coalition to defeat the terrorist group ISIS.