Wednesday, August 27, 2014

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

August 26, 2014
Media Notice
For Immediate Release
Good morning, I just left a productive meeting with the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and speaking on behalf of the United States government, I want to express our full confidence in the Lebanese government and its security institutions as they face the challenges spilling over from the conflict in Syria.  There is no doubt that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and other extremist groups seek to sow division and chaos in the region, and this poses a threat to Lebanon.
This is the extremists' strategy because only amidst chaos do they have a chance to succeed.  The obvious answer to that threat is order, determination, and unity:  unity within Lebanon, and unity with Lebanon's friends such as the United States.  That was my message to Speaker Berri today.  America stands united with Lebanon to counter extremism and promote moderation.
But without a president, the full unity needed to meet Lebanon's challenges is missing.  The president is the symbol of the unity of the country.  When that key position is empty, Lebanon itself is weaker, and therefore Lebanon's friends are weaker.  Extremists can only gain as a result.  The process and choice of a president is for only the Lebanese, but Lebanon's leaders must swiftly create the conditions to elect a president, for the sake of Lebanon's unity and stability.