Ambassador Connelly Visits Patriarch Rai
August 2, 2013
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly visited Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bachara al-Rai today to discuss the political and security situation in Lebanon, as well as other regional issues.
Ambassador Connelly welcomed the efforts of the Lebanese government, civil society, and faith-based groups, including Christian groups, to meet the needs of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and encouraged the continued close cooperation with UN agencies and non-governmental organizations that are helping to address growing humanitarian concerns in Lebanon. She emphasized the moral and humanitarian obligation the international community, societies, and faith groups have to support nation states to meet their international humanitarian obligations, including respect for human rights and the protection of refugees in Lebanon.
The Ambassador expressed concern about sectarian tensions in Lebanon and shared her belief that the Lebanese Christian community plays an important role, unique in the region, along with other faith communities in Lebanon, in bridging political divisions and contributing to a more democratic region that respects and protects the rights of all citizens. She welcomed the efforts of the Patriarch to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding in Lebanon and expressed her support for the Patriarch's call for armed groups to respect Lebanon's existing security institutions and disarm, which followed a similar appeal for disarmament from the Council of Maronite Bishops.
The Ambassador further commended the Patriarch's declaration today and the earlier statement from the Council of Maronite Bishops calling for all armed groups in Lebanon to lay down their weapons. She also commended Patriarch Rai's firm position in favor of holding legislative elections and expressed the hope that the Patriarch would employ his moral authority in defense of the electoral and other provisions of the Lebanese Constitution.
She renewed the United States' commitment to a stable, sovereign, and independent Lebanon.
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly visited Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bachara al-Rai today to discuss the political and security situation in Lebanon, as well as other regional issues.
Ambassador Connelly welcomed the efforts of the Lebanese government, civil society, and faith-based groups, including Christian groups, to meet the needs of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and encouraged the continued close cooperation with UN agencies and non-governmental organizations that are helping to address growing humanitarian concerns in Lebanon. She emphasized the moral and humanitarian obligation the international community, societies, and faith groups have to support nation states to meet their international humanitarian obligations, including respect for human rights and the protection of refugees in Lebanon.
The Ambassador expressed concern about sectarian tensions in Lebanon and shared her belief that the Lebanese Christian community plays an important role, unique in the region, along with other faith communities in Lebanon, in bridging political divisions and contributing to a more democratic region that respects and protects the rights of all citizens. She welcomed the efforts of the Patriarch to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding in Lebanon and expressed her support for the Patriarch's call for armed groups to respect Lebanon's existing security institutions and disarm, which followed a similar appeal for disarmament from the Council of Maronite Bishops.
The Ambassador further commended the Patriarch's declaration today and the earlier statement from the Council of Maronite Bishops calling for all armed groups in Lebanon to lay down their weapons. She also commended Patriarch Rai's firm position in favor of holding legislative elections and expressed the hope that the Patriarch would employ his moral authority in defense of the electoral and other provisions of the Lebanese Constitution.
She renewed the United States' commitment to a stable, sovereign, and independent Lebanon.
posted by DELTA BLOG at 1:38 PM
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