U.S. Ambassador Meets President Sleiman

April 10, 2013
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met with President Michel Sleiman today. The President and Ambassador discussed bilateral relations as well as the political and security situation in Lebanon and regional events.

Ambassador Connelly welcomed the President's nomination of Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam as a positive first step in 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 that strengthens Lebanon's stability, sovereignty, and independence while fulfilling its international commitments.
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 and other responsible leaders to adhere to Lebanon's legal and constitutional framework to hold timely parliamentary elections.
The Ambassador renewed the commitment of the United States to a stable, sovereign, and independent Lebanon.