Thursday, December 01, 2011

U.S. Ambassador Meets with Prime Minister

November 30, 2011- U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met with Prime Minister Najib Mikati today at the Prime Minister's offices at the Grand Serail. The Ambassador and Prime Minister discussed the political and security situation in Lebanon and the current situation in Syria.

Ambassador Connelly welcomed Prime Minister Mikati's action to fund Lebanon's share of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. She noted that Lebanon's commitments to the Tribunal extend beyond the issue of funding alone and fulfilling these commitments are important indicators of the government's commitment to both Lebanon's interests and its international obligations.

She further condemned the firing of rockets from southern Lebanon into Israel on November 29, which constituted a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and stressed that Lebanon should take all necessary measures to support the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon's investigation. She called on all parties to respect the Blue Line and exercise restraint and reiterated the United States' call for Lebanon to ensure its armed forces serve as Lebanon's sole defense force which is capable of securing its borders and defending the sovereignty and independence of the state.

Ambassador Connelly also expressed the United States' concern for the plight of Syrian refugees and displaced persons in Lebanon and encouraged the government to work closely with the international community to address their humanitarian needs and ensure their safety.

She renewed the commitment of the United States to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon.