DAS Jake Walles Visits Lebanon

On October 26, 2011, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Jake Walles, completed his visit to Lebanon during which he 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.

Today, Mr. Walles met with Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Jean Kahwagi.
On October 25, he had met 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.

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.

Remarks by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at an Open Debate of the Security Council on the Middle East, October 24, 2011

Susan E. Rice
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations 
U.S. Mission to the United Nations 

New York, NY

October 24, 2011

Excerpts:

***
Madame President, we are pleased that the Government of Lebanon has reaffirmed that it will uphold Lebanon's international commitments, including Lebanon's agreement with the Special Tribunal. We believe it is of the utmost importance that Lebanon fulfill its funding obligations to the Special Tribunal within the coming weeks. We remain deeply committed to the full implementation of Resolutions 1559, 1680, and 1701. The United States continues to support the Lebanese Armed Forces' ongoing efforts to assert control and maintain stability in southern Lebanon.

***

 In addition, we strongly deplore the violent incursions and raids into Lebanon by Syrian security forces that have resulted in death and injury.

U.S. Ambassador Meets with MP Michel Aoun

On October 24, 2011 U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met with Free Patriotic Movement head MP Michel Aoun at his private offices in Rabieh. The Ambassador and General Aoun discussed the political and security 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 told General Aoun that the U.S. expects Lebanon to meet all of its international obligations, including Lebanon's obligation to cooperate with and fund 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.

U.S. Ambassador Meets with Minister Bassil

On October 18, 2011 U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met with Minister of Energy and Water Gebran Bassil at the Minister's offices in Karantine. Ambassador Connelly expressed appreciation for the commitments that the Ministry has made to implement strong, transparent regulations to develop the Lebanese energy sector.
Ambassador Connelly raised the need for Lebanon to meet all of its international obligations, including Lebanon's obligation to fund the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. She renewed the commitment of the United States to a sovereign and independent Lebanon.

President Obama Issues Waiver on TIP Sanctions for Lebanon

October 10, 2011
President Barack Obama granted Lebanon a waiver to allow the continuation of U.S. assistance to Lebanon, which was at risk of being blocked due to Lebanon's Tier Three ranking in the 2011 Trafficking in Persons Report.

Ambassador Maura Connelly informed Prime Minister Najib Mikati of President Obama's decision on October 4. The United States appreciates the seriousness with which the Mikati government and Lebanese civil society has addressed issues related to combating trafficking in persons. Ambassador Connelly welcomed the initial steps taken by the Government of Lebanon and pledged to continue collaboration on protecting victims of trafficking, prosecuting perpetrators, and preventing the spread of trafficking.

Ambassador Connelly met Minister of Defense Ghosn

On October 4, 2011, U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly met with Minister of Defense Fayez Ghosn. In their meeting, Ambassador Connelly reiterated the U.S. Government's support for and assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces as well as the U.S. and international community's expectations that Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces fulfill their commitment to implement UNSCR 1701 and continue to work to improve Lebanon's border security. They discussed General Jean Kahwagi's upcoming visit to the United States at the invitation of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin E. Dempsey, a further indication of the strong partnership between the United States and Lebanon, and a demonstration of U.S. support for the Lebanese Armed Forces. Additionally, Ambassador Connelly emphasized the importance the United States places on the Lebanese Armed Forces' role in protecting members of the Syrian opposition residing in Lebanon, as one of Lebanon's international legal obligations that also include support and funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.