Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale Following his Meeting with Fares Suaid, Coordinator for the March 14 General Secretariat

October 21, 2013

Thank you, Mr. Secretary General, for the very good conversation that I just had with you and your colleagues, other leaders in the March 14 movement. As you said, we discussed many topics. The United States and the elements represented in March 14 share many values and many common interests, not least a desire to support Lebanon's constitutional practices, institutions and democratic traditions, and the implementation of the Taif Agreement.

Last Friday, President Sleiman held a follow up meeting with the participants of the International Support Group for Lebanon. It is a special thing when Russia, America, China, the Europeans, the UN and other international bodies agree on something. Today, they agree on some basic principles and goals in support of Lebanon. Our common agenda for Lebanon stands apart from any developments elsewhere in the Middle East.

Together, the permanent members of the Security Council and Europe want Lebanon to be stable, prosperous, and apart from the conflict in Syria. To achieve those goals, the international community wants to help Lebanon press forward in upholding the Baabda Declaration and in implementing relevant Security Council resolutions, including 1701 and 1559 and in supporting the Special Tribunal for Lebanon to ensure that justice is done.

The United States is also aware of the great burden imposed on Lebanon by the flow of refugees from Syria. We seek to increase and expedite assistance both to refugees and to host Lebanese communities affected by the war in Syria. To date, the United States has contributed over $254 million to help meet the needs of refugees here in Lebanon and the Lebanese communities that host them.

But we know money is not the solution. It is necessary to find a lasting political resolution of the Syrian conflict – for which the Asad regime bears full responsibility – based on the Geneva Communique. For the United States, it is clear that the Asad regime must go.

Today's meeting with the Secretary General was an occasion for me to meet again with old and enduring friends. I hear all the time from ordinary Lebanese their strong desire for normal lives, so they can educate their children, practice their faiths, hold their opinions freely and exercise their democratic rights, and live in a peaceful and stable environment free of the scourge of corruption.

As the American Ambassador, my job is to hear those voices, to listen to all Lebanese, to represent my country to all Lebanese, and to do what America can to help the Lebanese fulfill those very human, and unmet, ambitions.

One final word, I'd like to express today our warm welcome for the release of the Lebanese pilgrims and wish that all Lebanese and other nationals detained in Syria also gain urgent release, including the missing bishops and others who are detained there.

Thank you.