Tuesday, October 30, 2012

U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly’s Meetings with Lebanese Political Leaders

October 29, 2012
Over the past week, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly has met with numerous Lebanese political leaders to discuss political and security developments following the October 19 bombing in Achrafieh and the assassination of Internal Security Forces Information Branch Chief Major General Wissam al-Hassan.
In her meetings, the Ambassador reiterated that the Lebanese people deserve a government that reflects their aspirations. They also deserve a government that will stand up for Lebanon's stability, sovereignty and independence.
She further expressed support for President Sleiman's and other responsible leaders' efforts to agreement on a process for transitioning to a new governing coalition. She emphasized that this is a Lebanese process and encouraged a peaceful transition be formulated without creating a political vacuum and that Lebanese leaders should work to build agreement among relevant parties in this regard.
The article published in Al-Akhbar today under the title "Connelly to Jumblatt and Geagea: Boycott Hariri's Recklessness" attributed quotes to Ambassador Connelly that were without basis and wholly untrue. Nor did the paper ever seek to confirm these fabricated quotes before their publication.
The United States remains committed to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon and stands by the Lebanese people as they continue to confront the aftermath of this heinous attack.