U.S. Ambassador Connelly Visits PM-designate Najib Mikati

February 18, 2011
Ambassador Connelly met today with Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati and discussed his ongoing efforts to form a new government. They both affirmed the importance for the United States and Lebanon to maintain the strong and fruitful relationship between the two countries. The United States believes the way forward for U.S. – Lebanese relations will be guided by how the new government determines its program of work and implements its policies. Ambassador Connelly reiterated to Mr. Mikati that the U.S. hopes that he will preserve the government formation process from outside influence. Ambassador Connelly also expressed the United States’ expectation that the ministers in the new Lebanese cabinet will continue to work to uphold the government’s responsibilities both to its own people and constitution as well as to the international community. Lebanon’s continuing commitment to its international obligations will be judged in the actions taken by the next government in regard to the relevant UN resolutions, beginning with the content of the next government’s ministerial statement. A government that is truly representative of the interests of the people of Lebanon will continue to support and sustain the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.