Remarks by Ambassador Hale During LAF Cessna Handover Ceremony
November 6, 2013
Good afternoon. It is an honor to be here today as we handover this Cessna Aircraft to the Lebanese Armed Forces. This transfer is a reflection of the strong cooperation between the United States and Lebanon, particularly in enhancing Lebanon's security. Now more than ever, it is important to show the benefits of U.S.-Lebanese security cooperation.
For some years, the LAF has been rebuilding itself from the ground up. All militaries have basic needs for standard equipment, and the United States has worked with the LAF to help meet those needs. But the military-to-military partnership between the United States and Lebanon is multifaceted, to include substantial training and equipment of increasing sophistication.
Today's transfer of an advanced Cessna Aircraft reflects that progress and builds upon previous Cessna and Huey helicopter transfers. These aircraft will help the LAF conduct effective border security missions and combat threats from extremist groups.
Lebanon's security institutions are a key pillar of the state. Our assistance to them – now over a billion dollars since 2006 -- is a cornerstone of the partnership between our two nations. The United States is firm in its belief that the LAF is Lebanon's only legitimate defense force. We will remain committed to strengthening the capacity of the LAF so it can pursue its mission of securing Lebanon's borders, defending the sovereignty and independence of the state, and of achieving Lebanese unity and stability, to enable the full implementation of Security Council resolutions, including 1701 and 1559.
The LAF has shown courage and determination in the pursuit of these goals, and has our full support. On behalf of the United States, I thank President Sleiman and General Qahwagi for their extraordinary leadership in this challenging time for both Lebanon and the region.
I often hear from ordinary Lebanese their strong desire for normal lives. They want an economy that can produce jobs for them. They want to educate their children. They want to lead their lives without worrying about basic security. They want to practice their faiths freely and express their opinions openly. They want to choose their political representatives democratically.
To achieve those very human objectives and needs, there must be stability and Lebanese state institutions that are accountable to the Lebanese people, not unelected factions accountable to foreign powers. Our partnership with the LAF and other Lebanese institutions is designed precisely to help the Lebanese fulfill those aspirations.
Thank you.
Good afternoon. It is an honor to be here today as we handover this Cessna Aircraft to the Lebanese Armed Forces. This transfer is a reflection of the strong cooperation between the United States and Lebanon, particularly in enhancing Lebanon's security. Now more than ever, it is important to show the benefits of U.S.-Lebanese security cooperation.
For some years, the LAF has been rebuilding itself from the ground up. All militaries have basic needs for standard equipment, and the United States has worked with the LAF to help meet those needs. But the military-to-military partnership between the United States and Lebanon is multifaceted, to include substantial training and equipment of increasing sophistication.
Today's transfer of an advanced Cessna Aircraft reflects that progress and builds upon previous Cessna and Huey helicopter transfers. These aircraft will help the LAF conduct effective border security missions and combat threats from extremist groups.
Lebanon's security institutions are a key pillar of the state. Our assistance to them – now over a billion dollars since 2006 -- is a cornerstone of the partnership between our two nations. The United States is firm in its belief that the LAF is Lebanon's only legitimate defense force. We will remain committed to strengthening the capacity of the LAF so it can pursue its mission of securing Lebanon's borders, defending the sovereignty and independence of the state, and of achieving Lebanese unity and stability, to enable the full implementation of Security Council resolutions, including 1701 and 1559.
The LAF has shown courage and determination in the pursuit of these goals, and has our full support. On behalf of the United States, I thank President Sleiman and General Qahwagi for their extraordinary leadership in this challenging time for both Lebanon and the region.
I often hear from ordinary Lebanese their strong desire for normal lives. They want an economy that can produce jobs for them. They want to educate their children. They want to lead their lives without worrying about basic security. They want to practice their faiths freely and express their opinions openly. They want to choose their political representatives democratically.
To achieve those very human objectives and needs, there must be stability and Lebanese state institutions that are accountable to the Lebanese people, not unelected factions accountable to foreign powers. Our partnership with the LAF and other Lebanese institutions is designed precisely to help the Lebanese fulfill those aspirations.
Thank you.
posted by DELTA BLOG at 10:30 AM
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