Statement by Ambassador Maura Connelly on the Appointment of Ambassador Robert Ford to Syria
December 31, 2010
President Obama announced his intention to return an ambassador to Syria in June of 2009. After nominating Robert Ford on February 16, 2010, the President has waited 10 months for the Senate to take action. The President’s appointment of Ambassador Ford this week came alongside three other Ambassadorial appointments to Turkey, Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic. The timing of Ambassador Ford’s appointment is only reflective of the need to protect and advance U.S. interests and security in the region.
Appointing a U.S. Ambassador to Damascus should not be viewed as a reward to the Syrian Government. Having an ambassador in Damascus improves our ability to deliver firm messages to the Syrian government and to articulate clearly our concerns and priorities to Syria. No step taken with Syria comes at Lebanon’s expense. Robert Ford is one of the most qualified U.S. diplomats in the Foreign Service. He is tough, principled and skilled with a proven track record.
The Special Tribunal is an independent judicial entity, established in response to a terrible time in Lebanon’s history by an agreement between the Lebanese government and the United Nations. Its work is legitimate and necessary and cannot be stopped by any bilateral or regional agreement. The STL indictments, when they are released, will mark a new stage in a transparent, independent judicial process—a process that has the backing of the United Nations. It is a means of demonstrating an end to the era of impunity for the terrible and tragic violence that produced victims from all of Lebanon’s communities. The Lebanese people deserve a normal life free from fear of political violence.
I respect the leadership demonstrated by President Suleiman and Prime Minister Hariri, especially during this challenging period. The United States is committed to a strong partnership with Lebanon and to Lebanon’s future. A strong, sovereign, stable Lebanon is in everyone’s interest – the Lebanese people, the region, the United States and the international community as a whole.
President Obama announced his intention to return an ambassador to Syria in June of 2009. After nominating Robert Ford on February 16, 2010, the President has waited 10 months for the Senate to take action. The President’s appointment of Ambassador Ford this week came alongside three other Ambassadorial appointments to Turkey, Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic. The timing of Ambassador Ford’s appointment is only reflective of the need to protect and advance U.S. interests and security in the region.
Appointing a U.S. Ambassador to Damascus should not be viewed as a reward to the Syrian Government. Having an ambassador in Damascus improves our ability to deliver firm messages to the Syrian government and to articulate clearly our concerns and priorities to Syria. No step taken with Syria comes at Lebanon’s expense. Robert Ford is one of the most qualified U.S. diplomats in the Foreign Service. He is tough, principled and skilled with a proven track record.
The Special Tribunal is an independent judicial entity, established in response to a terrible time in Lebanon’s history by an agreement between the Lebanese government and the United Nations. Its work is legitimate and necessary and cannot be stopped by any bilateral or regional agreement. The STL indictments, when they are released, will mark a new stage in a transparent, independent judicial process—a process that has the backing of the United Nations. It is a means of demonstrating an end to the era of impunity for the terrible and tragic violence that produced victims from all of Lebanon’s communities. The Lebanese people deserve a normal life free from fear of political violence.
I respect the leadership demonstrated by President Suleiman and Prime Minister Hariri, especially during this challenging period. The United States is committed to a strong partnership with Lebanon and to Lebanon’s future. A strong, sovereign, stable Lebanon is in everyone’s interest – the Lebanese people, the region, the United States and the international community as a whole.
posted by philippe at 4:58 AM
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