U.S. Ambassador’s Meetings with Speaker Nabih Berri and Caretaker Prime Minister Mikati

March 28, 2013

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met separately with President of the Chamber of Deputies Speaker Nabih Berri and Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati today. In both meetings, the Ambassador discussed bilateral relations as well as the political and security situation in Lebanon and regional events.
Ambassador Connelly expressed the United States' support for efforts to form a new government. This process is, and must be, a Lebanese process. She reiterated the United States' position that the Lebanese people deserve a government that reflects their aspirations and will strengthen Lebanon's stability, sovereignty, and independence.
Ambassador Connelly further underscored that Lebanon's democratic process is an immensely valuable achievement that serves as an example to the region, especially during this period of democratic change in the Middle East. She conveyed the United States' appreciation for the extraordinary efforts exerted by President Sleiman, Speaker Berri, and Caretaker Prime Minister Mikati to adhere to Lebanon's legal and constitutional framework to hold parliamentary elections on time.
The Ambassador renewed the commitment of the United States to a stable, sovereign, and independent Lebanon.