Statement by Ambassador Maura Connelly After Meeting with Prime Minister Hariri
December 6, 2010. I just concluded a productive meeting with Prime Minister Hariri during which we discussed the strong bilateral relationship between the United States and Lebanon.
In light of recent media reports, I would like to take this opportunity to raise the release of what are claimed to be classified State Department cables that detail private diplomatic discussions. As a matter of policy we don’t comment on documents that purport to contain classified information but we would condemn in the strongest possible terms the deliberate and unauthorized disclosure of any classified materials. There is the potential for groups wanting to harm the relationship between the U.S. and Lebanon to seek to use such disclosures as an opportunity to release fabricated materials to sow discord and mistrust.
Illegal and irresponsible releases like those made by Wikileaks serve those who want to increase tensions and settle political scores through inaccurate, out-of-context, and deliberate misinterpretations of material that is claimed to be authentic, but cannot be verified. Ultimately, our policies are set by the President of the United States and the Secretary of State and are a matter of public record, the subject of thousands of pages of speeches, statements, policy papers, and other documents that the State Department makes freely available online and elsewhere.
Here in Beirut, our policy towards Lebanon remains unchanged. Lebanon has many friends, including the United States, who are strong supporters of its sovereignty and security. We are all committed to a strong partnership with Lebanon and to Lebanon’s future. We will continue to encourage actors within Lebanon and across the region to act responsibly and in the best interests of the Lebanese people. We call on all responsible actors to work to help resolve conflicts, not to reignite them.
Regarding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the U.S. reaffirms its view of the Tribunal as an independent judicial entity that must continue to remain free from political interference. The STL’s work is legitimate and necessary. It represents a chance for Lebanon to begin moving beyond its long history of political violence. There is no possible justification for threats of violence in relation to the STL’s legal and judicial activities. The Special Tribunal’s goal is to end impunity for political assassinations. Without justice, it will be impossible to achieve the future of peace and stability – the normal life that the Lebanese people deserve. Thus, presenting justice and stability as a choice is wrong. Lebanon, like any country, needs both.
The STL indictments, when they are released, will mark a new stage in a transparent judicial process—a process that has the backing of the United Nations. Ultimately, the STL’s activities are not just about justice for Rafik Hariri, Basil Fuleihan, and the 20 other victims killed and injured on February 14, 2005. This process is a means of demonstrating an end to the era of unaccountability for the terrible and tragic violence that touched all of Lebanon’s communities.
Thank you.
In light of recent media reports, I would like to take this opportunity to raise the release of what are claimed to be classified State Department cables that detail private diplomatic discussions. As a matter of policy we don’t comment on documents that purport to contain classified information but we would condemn in the strongest possible terms the deliberate and unauthorized disclosure of any classified materials. There is the potential for groups wanting to harm the relationship between the U.S. and Lebanon to seek to use such disclosures as an opportunity to release fabricated materials to sow discord and mistrust.
Illegal and irresponsible releases like those made by Wikileaks serve those who want to increase tensions and settle political scores through inaccurate, out-of-context, and deliberate misinterpretations of material that is claimed to be authentic, but cannot be verified. Ultimately, our policies are set by the President of the United States and the Secretary of State and are a matter of public record, the subject of thousands of pages of speeches, statements, policy papers, and other documents that the State Department makes freely available online and elsewhere.
Here in Beirut, our policy towards Lebanon remains unchanged. Lebanon has many friends, including the United States, who are strong supporters of its sovereignty and security. We are all committed to a strong partnership with Lebanon and to Lebanon’s future. We will continue to encourage actors within Lebanon and across the region to act responsibly and in the best interests of the Lebanese people. We call on all responsible actors to work to help resolve conflicts, not to reignite them.
Regarding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the U.S. reaffirms its view of the Tribunal as an independent judicial entity that must continue to remain free from political interference. The STL’s work is legitimate and necessary. It represents a chance for Lebanon to begin moving beyond its long history of political violence. There is no possible justification for threats of violence in relation to the STL’s legal and judicial activities. The Special Tribunal’s goal is to end impunity for political assassinations. Without justice, it will be impossible to achieve the future of peace and stability – the normal life that the Lebanese people deserve. Thus, presenting justice and stability as a choice is wrong. Lebanon, like any country, needs both.
The STL indictments, when they are released, will mark a new stage in a transparent judicial process—a process that has the backing of the United Nations. Ultimately, the STL’s activities are not just about justice for Rafik Hariri, Basil Fuleihan, and the 20 other victims killed and injured on February 14, 2005. This process is a means of demonstrating an end to the era of unaccountability for the terrible and tragic violence that touched all of Lebanon’s communities.
Thank you.
posted by philippe at 8:08 AM
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