Tuesday, January 21, 2014

U.S. Embassy Condemns Terrorist Bombing in Haret Hreik

January 21, 2014
Media Notice
For Immediate Release
The United States Embassy condemns today's terrorist bombing in the Haret Hreik region of southern Beirut in the strongest terms. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims and their families. Abhorrent acts of terrorism such as this undermine the peace and unity the Lebanese people seek and deserve; the only answer to such attacks is to reinforce support for the state, which has sole responsibility for enforcing the rule of law. We reiterate our support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces as the legitimate institutions of the Lebanese state that protect and serve all Lebanese, and we call upon all parties to refrain from acts of violence and work with those security forces to help ensure those who commit these acts of terror are brought to justice. The United States renews its call for the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701, the Taif Agreement, and the Baabda Declaration. Full implementation of these accords would help ensure a stable, secure and free Lebanon.
 

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Deputy Chief of Mission Richard M. Mills Jr. Participates in Ceremony for the Launch of Community Policing at Ras Beirut Police Station

January 16, 2014
Today Deputy Chief of Mission Richard Mills participated in a ceremony hosted by the Internal Security Forces (ISF) at the Ras Beirut (previously known as Hbeish) Police Station for the launch of the station and the introduction of community policing there, the first time such a program has been implemented in Lebanon.  As expressed by Acting ISF Director General Major General Ibrahim Basbous, this launch is part of the wider strategy and vision of the ISF "to meet the expectations of citizens and have their complete trust."  This ISF project is jointly funded by the U.S. and British Embassies in Beirut.  The Embassy has a long standing partnership with the ISF and supports it in its mission of maintaining order and security in Lebanon and upholding the rule of law.  Since 2008, the Embassy has provided over $100 million to train and equip the ISF through the office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).  This assistance is diverse and includes both specialized equipment and training here in Lebanon and the United States.  Through the broad spectrum of U.S. assistance, the ISF has been able to enhance its delivery of law enforcement services to the Lebanese public.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Remarks With Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati Before Their Meeting

Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State

Bayan Palace
Kuwait City, Kuwait
January 15, 2014
 
SECRETARY KERRY: I just want to say what a pleasure it is to meet with the Prime Minister. And I want to make it clear that President Obama and the United States stand very firmly behind our friends in Lebanon. The challenge of Lebanon is enormous; they have 870,000 refugees, and they are really feeling the spillover effects of the violence in Syria.
So, today, the United States will be providing an additional $76 million, which is the largest amount we have put in directly into Lebanon for the refugee challenge. In addition to that, we will continue to work very directly with the Lebanese armed forces and their ability to be able to stand up against the sectarian violence that is ripping apart Lebanon yet again. This is not new. So, we admire the efforts to put together a government, but we are very clear that that government needs to not provide an opportunity for legitimization of any terrorist organization or violence within Lebanon. We know it's very difficult, nothing is easy there.

But, Mr. Prime Minister, we are very much sympathetic to the challenges you are facing, and very sorry for the violence that stole a very good man, Mohamad Chatah. So we are here to help.

PRIME MINISTER MIKATI: Thank you.

SECRETARY KERRY: And I look forward to our conversation.

PRIME MINISTER MIKATI: (Inaudible) for the financial support for the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, and because I know the full support of Mr. Obama Administration to Lebanon since I've been in power, always supporting, recognizing what we are doing. And now yourself, Mr. Secretary, what you are doing for the whole peace process in the Middle East is very important, either about Iranian issue or about the Palestinian-Israeli issue, which we put and we press on your hand to proceed and to have it as soon as possible.

SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you.

PRIME MINISTER MIKATI: Thank you.

SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you very much.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden on Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif Honoring Lebanese Hezbollah Official

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2014

 

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden on Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif Honoring Lebanese Hezbollah Official

 

The United States condemns the decision taken by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Khonsari to place a wreath at the grave of  Imad Mugniyah, a former leader of Lebanese Hezbollah responsible for heinous acts of terrorism that killed hundreds of innocent people, including Americans.  The inhumane violence that Mugniyah perpetrated – and that Lebanese Hezbollah continues to perpetrate in the region with Iran's financial and material support -- has had profoundly destabilizing and deadly effects for Lebanon and the region.
 
The decision to commemorate an individual who has participated in such vicious acts, and whose organization continues to actively support terrorism worldwide, sends the wrong message and will only exacerbate tensions in the region.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy Spence Visits Lebanon

January 10, 2014
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy Dr. Matthew Spence visited Lebanon this week and met with political and military leaders including President Michel Sleiman, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Jean Kahwagi, and LAF Chief of Staff Major General Walid Salman.  Dr. Spence underscored the strength of the U.S-Lebanese defense relationship and the United States' support for Lebanon in the context of regional developments.  Dr. Spence discussed U.S. support for the LAF through ongoing security cooperation programs.  U.S. assistance to the LAF and ISF, totaling more than $1 billion since 2005, strengthens the capacity of Lebanon's security forces and supports their missions of securing Lebanon's borders and defending the sovereignty and independence of the state.  Dr. Spence reiterated the ongoing and enduring commitment of the United States to Lebanon, and its commitment to the LAF and preventing spillover from Syrian conflict into Lebanon.

Thursday, January 02, 2014

•Terrorist Bombing / Saudi Assistance to Lebanese Armed Forces

Daily Press Briefing Washington, DC January 2, 2014
Marie Harf Deputy Spokesperson:
The United States condemns in the strongest terms today's terrorist bombing in the Haret Hreik region of southern Beirut. We send our condolences to the victims and their families. We urge all parties to refrain from retaliatory acts that would further escalate tension and threaten Lebanon's stability and the lives and livelihoods of the Lebanese people. The Lebanese people must be allowed to carry on their lives free of fear from attacks.
We reiterate our support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and internal security forces as legitimate government institutions that protect and serve all Lebanese, and we renew our call for the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 1559 – 1559, excuse me, and 1701, the Taif Agreement and the Baabda Declaration to ensure Lebanon's sovereignty. Implementing and adhering to the letter and spirit of these resolutions and agreements is the way to support a stable, secure, and free Lebanon.