U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Elizabeth Dibble stressed Thursday that the United States concerns that developments in Syria would cause instability in Lebanon.

According to a statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, Dibble who ended her visit to Lebanon expressed "the United States' deep concern for the plight of the Syrian people, including those in Lebanon who have fled violence."

Dibble also "renewed the United States' commitment to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon," and underscored the U.S. administration's support to Lebanon and its institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces, recognizing its importance in serving as Lebanon's sole legitimate defense force, securing Lebanon's borders and defending the sovereignty and independence of the state," according to the statement.

The U.S. official had met with senior officials of Lebanon during her visit to discuss the political and security situation in Lebanon, developments in Syria, and other regional issues, said the statement.

Dibble also "underscored the U.S. position that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must fully implement the Annan plan," welcoming "the Lebanese government's actions, in coordination with the international community, to provide humanitarian assistance."

During her meeting with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, who revealed earlier this month that he had escaped an assassination attempt, Dibble stressed steadfast U.S. support for "ending impunity for political assassinations in Lebanon, including through our strong support for the work of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon," the statement read.