Monday, November 28, 2011

U.S. Ambassador Meets with Minister Nicolas Nahhas

On November 28, 2011, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met with Minister of Economy and Trade Nicolas Nahhas at his offices in Riad al Solh. The Ambassador and Minister Nahhas discussed the economic and political situation in Lebanon and the current situation in Syria. Ambassador Connelly reiterated the United States' view that it is important to ensure that events in Syria do no create instability or tension in Lebanon.
Ambassador Connelly also called for Lebanon to meet all of its international obligations, including cooperating with and funding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. She expressed the United States' concern that a failure by Lebanon to meet its obligations to the Tribunal could lead to serious consequences if Lebanon does not meet its international commitments.
She renewed the commitment of the United States to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Treasury Assistant Secretary Daniel L. Glaser Visits Lebanon

On November 10, 2011, U.S. Treasury Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing Daniel L. Glaser visited Lebanon and met with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Bank of Lebanon Governor Riad Salameh, and a number of representatives from the Lebanese banking community.  This is Mr. Glaser's first visit to Lebanon as Assistant Secretary.
In his meetings, Mr. Glaser underscored the need for Lebanon to take the necessary steps to ensure a transparent and well-regulated financial sector for Lebanon's continued prosperity.  He also stressed the need for authorities to protect the Lebanese financial sector from potential Syrian attempts to evade U.S. and EU financial sanctions.  He reiterated the U.S. view that it is important to ensure that the current instability in Syria does not undermine the Lebanese financial sector. 
Mr. Glaser also called for Lebanon to meet all of its international obligations, including cooperating with and funding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.   He renewed the commitment of the United States to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon.