Acting Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Jones Visits Lebanon

October 31, 2012

Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Elizabeth Jones visited Lebanon today and met with senior officials to discuss the political, economic, and security situation in Lebanon and other regional issues.

Acting Assistant Secretary Jones and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met with President Michel Sleiman, President of the Chamber of Deputies Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, former President and Kataeb Party leader Amine Gemayel, and Lebanese Forces Party President Dr. Samir Geagea. Later today both will meet with former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and other March 14 leaders.
Acting Assistant Secretary Jones expressed the United States' deepest sympathies and condolences to the Lebanese people and the families of those killed and injured on October 19.
She reiterated that the Lebanese people deserve a government that reflects their aspirations and will strengthen Lebanon's stability, sovereignty and independence. She further expressed support for President Sleiman's and other responsible leaders' efforts to consult on 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.
She renewed the United States' commitment to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon.