Statement by U.S. Ambassador David Hale following his meeting with President of the Chamber of Deputies Nabih Berri

May 2, 2014

Good morning, I just had a very good meeting with President Nabih Berri.  We discussed a range of issues, including of course the presidential election.  I want to commend him and other Lebanese political leaders for the seriousness with which they are addressing the issue of the election.

Lebanon's presidential election, and its parliamentary elections this fall, are entirely Lebanese processes.  The Lebanese must choose their leaders.  And those leaders will have serious work ahead of them.  Lebanon is facing a variety of economic, security, and social issues.  If they are to be properly addressed, all three arms of the government should be functioning.  The international community,  and certainly the U.S., need representative Lebanese partners if we are to help this country. 

Many ask about the role of the international community, including the United States, in this election.  It is very simple:  our role is to assist the Lebanese to protect this process, so that a Lebanese president is elected by the Lebanese, according to the constitution, and on time.  We have no role in picking or choosing a candidate, nor should any other foreign power.  It is only the right - and the responsibility - of the Lebanese. 

Thank you very much.