Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Feltman Visits Lebanon

December 7, 2011- Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman arrived in Lebanon today and met with senior officials to discuss the political and security situation in Lebanon, developments in Syria, and other regional issues.

Ambassador Feltman and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met with Prime Minister Najib Mikati and delivered a letter from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton welcoming Lebanon's action to fund the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. He noted the importance of Lebanon's continued cooperation with the Tribunal and of Lebanon upholding its international obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701.

He renewed the United States' commitment to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon. Ambassador Feltman underscored the U.S. Administration's support to strengthening Lebanon and Lebanon's institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces, recognizing its importance in serving as Lebanon's sole legitimate defense force, securing Lebanon's borders and defending the sovereignty and independence of the state.

Ambassador Feltman discussed regional developments with the Prime Minister, consulting with him on a range of issues, including the situation in Syria. Ambassador Feltman shared the grave concerns of the United States for the people of Syria and our desire to see the Syrian government end its brutality against them immediately. He highlighted U.S. concerns that developments in Syria not contribute to instability in Lebanon or in other countries in the region.