DAS Jake Walles Visits Lebanon

On October 25, 2011, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Jake Walles, visited Lebanon and met with senior officials to discuss the political, security, and economic situation in Lebanon, as well as the current situation in Syria.  This is Mr. Walles' second visit to Lebanon as Deputy Assistant Secretary. 

Mr. Walles had meetings with President Michel Sleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri,  Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Bank of Lebanon Governor Riad Salameh, and former Minister of Finance Mohammad Chatah.
In his meetings, Mr. Walles underscored the need for Lebanon to meet all of its international obligations, including cooperating with and funding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.  He also reiterated the U.S. view that it is important to ensure that the current instability in Syria does not create tension in Lebanon.  He renewed the commitment of the United States to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon.