White House and State Department on Election of General Michel Sleiman as President of Lebanon

 

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 25, 2008

President Bush Congratulates Michel Sleiman on Election as President of Lebanon

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

I congratulate Michel Sleiman on his election as President of Lebanon. I am confident that Lebanon has chosen a leader committed to protecting its sovereignty, extending the government's authority over all of Lebanon, and upholding Lebanon's international obligations under UN Security Council Resolutions, including 1559, 1701, and 1757. I am hopeful that the Doha Agreement, which paved the way for this election, will usher in an era of political reconciliation to the benefit of all Lebanese. We look forward to working with President Sleiman in pursuit of our common values of freedom and independence.

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US Department of State

Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
May 27, 2008

Inauguration of Lebanese President Michel Sleiman (Taken Question)

Question: Were there any U.S. officials present at the inauguration of Lebanese president Michel Sleiman? If so, who? What contacts have U.S. officials had with President Sleiman since his inauguration?

Answer: The United States was represented by Chargé d'Affaires Michel Sison and a Congressional delegation that included U.S. Representatives Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., Darrell Issa, R-Calif., Ray Lahood, R-Ill., Charlie Melancon, D-La., John Linder, R-Ga., and Jack Kingston, R-Ga. The delegation delivered a letter of congratulations from Secretary Rice. President Bush also contacted President Sleiman by phone.

Released on May 27, 2008