READOUT OF VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN’S MEETING WITH PRESIDENT SLEIMAN OF LEBANON

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Vice President
For Immediate Release
December 14, 2009

Earlier today, Vice President Biden met with Lebanese President Michel Sleiman at the White House. During the meeting, Vice President Biden expressed his appreciation for President Sleiman’s efforts during the formation of the new Lebanese government and welcomed the opportunity to work with the new government on a broad range of security, economic, and political issues. The Vice President reiterated the United States’ continued support for a sovereign, independent Lebanon and stressed that our efforts to achieve our goals in the Middle East will not come at Lebanon’s expense. The Vice President emphasized the Administration’s support for Lebanon’s institutions, including the office of the Presidency, and a military capable of safeguarding its independence. Toward this end, the Vice President pledged the United States’ support for full implementation of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. The Vice President thanked President Sleiman for his leadership and commitment to the people of Lebanon.