Statement by Ambassador Hale Following his meeting with Grand Mufti of Lebanon Sheikh Abdel-Latif Deryan

November 5, 2014

Media Notice
For Immediate Release
Good afternoon.  I just had an excellent meeting with Grand Mufti Deryan. 
We discussed many topics, including the threat that extremist groups like ISIL and al-Nusra pose to the region and to Lebanon.
ISIL is a threat to all of us, regardless of where we live or what faith we practice.  An international and regional response is therefore required to defeat it.  This is why the United States is leading a broad-based coalition against ISIL in partnership with others, including key Arab countries.  This coalition is attacking the extremists, not just with airstrikes, but on the ideological, political, social, and financial fronts as well. 
In fact, the most important fight against ISIL is taking place on the battleground of ideas, and by definition, this fight cannot be won by military weapons.  ISIL has been using new tools such as videos and social media to spread its barbaric message online.  Our most potent weapon against this spread of extremist ideology is a counter message that denies the validity of extremism and violence.  No one has embodied this moderation better than the Grand Mufti. 
All religions, including Islam and Christianity, have shared values.  They uphold the value of human life, cherish the dignity of the individual, promote acceptance of others, and know that life on this earth should be a shared story of advancing our communities together, accommodating each other, and protecting vulnerable members of our societies.
Now, once again, we face a group of terrorists who take it upon themselves to kill and destroy.  At a time like this, moderates from all backgrounds should know that strength is on our side, because our values are stronger than those of any extremist.  These are the values that have built great civilizations, in the West and the East, and are the foundation of any healthy society.  It is imperative that we work together, across religious, cultural, and geographic boundaries, to convince all people to make this choice in favor of mutual respect.  When it comes to Lebanon, we have confidence in the determination of the Lebanese people and their security institutions to repel the threat of extremists.     
As Lebanese soldiers work valiantly to keep residents of Lebanon safe from extremist groups, we need to remember that these extremists were bred in chaos and they thrive in chaos.  The best way to defeat them is through unity.  Every day that goes by with the presidency vacant is another day when Lebanon is deprived of this important symbol of national unity.
We are deeply concerned about the paralysis of Lebanon's political institutions, which started with the failure to elect a president in May.  We regret that one significant consequence of the presidential vacancy was a decision taken earlier today to postpone parliamentary elections and extend the term of the current parliament again.
We call on Lebanon's parliament to elect a president as soon as possible and in accordance with the constitution and the National Pact.  The election of a president is a decision entirely for the Lebanese to take, but take it, they must.  Those who are blocking the presidential election are undercutting Lebanon's stability and democratic practices.  We also urge Lebanese leaders to schedule and hold parliamentary elections as soon as possible.
The United States is committed to a strong partnership with the Lebanese people.  We are working with the security institutions to promote peace and stability, to help Lebanon fulfill its international obligations, to fight terrorism, and to help Lebanon insulate itself from the spillover of the conflict in Syria.  We are committed to providing substantial support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces, using both American and Saudi funds, as they work to protect and secure Lebanon.  It is the role of the security institutions of the state to safeguard Lebanon's borders and territory; they alone have the legitimacy to do so, and can be held accountable to all Lebanese.