Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Dibble Visits Lebanon

April 26, 2012 - Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Elizabeth Dibble completed her visit to Lebanon today and met with senior officials to discuss the political and security situation in Lebanon, developments in Syria, and other regional issues.
Ms. Dibble had meetings with Minister of Social Affairs Wael Abou Faour, United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly, and March 14 political leaders in addition to representatives of President Michel Sleiman and Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Nabih Berri.
In her meetings, Ms. Dibble underscored the U.S. position that Syrian President Bashar Asad must fully implement the Annan plan. She expressed the United States' deep concern for the plight of the Syrian people, including those who have fled violence in Lebanon. She welcomed the Lebanese government's actions, in coordination with the international community, to provide humanitarian assistance and encouraged greater combined efforts to reach the most at-risk among them. She further stressed U.S. concerns that developments in Syria not contribute to instability in Lebanon.
She met with Lebanese Forces Leader Samir Geagea yesterday where she reiterated the United States government's condemnation of the assassination attempt targeting Dr. Geagea. She stressed our steadfast support for ending impunity for political assassinations in Lebanon, including through our strong support for the work of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
Ms. Dibble renewed the United States' commitment to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon. She underscored the U.S. Administration's support to strengthening Lebanon and its 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.