U.S. Ambassador Meets with Caretaker Prime Minister Mikati

April 16, 2013
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly met with Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati today. Caretaker Prime Minister Mikati and the Ambassador discussed bilateral relations as well as the political and security situation in Lebanon and regional events.

Ambassador Connelly conveyed the United States' appreciation for Caretaker Prime Minster Mikati's ongoing efforts to preserve Lebanon's stability and to fulfill Lebanon's international obligations. She also expressed U.S. support for the extraordinary efforts exerted by Lebanese leaders to adhere to Lebanon's legal and constitutional framework to hold timely parliamentary elections.

 The Ambassador conveyed U.S. condolences for the recent tragic deaths and injuries of Lebanese nationals from attacks originating from inside Syria that have struck Lebanese villages. She condemned the shelling and reiterated the U.S. call on all parties in the region to avoid any actions that would exacerbate the crisis in Syria, increase the propensity for spillover violence, and negatively impact civilian populations.

The Ambassador renewed the commitment of the United States to a stable, sovereign, and independent Lebanon.