Friday, December 26, 2014

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

December 23, 2014
Well I just had the honor of meeting with the President of the Chamber of Deputies and earlier today, I met with former President Sleiman and Free Patriotic Movement leader, General Aoun, and last night Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea.  In all of these meetings, we discussed the many challenges facing the region and Lebanon, and as always I listened carefully to their views and analysis, and asked how the United States could be of most help.  America, like so many other countries in the international community, is committed to helping Lebanon find security and stability.  Lebanon's policy of dissociation is of critical importance in this regard.
So, too, is adherence to Lebanon's constitution when tackling the political difficulties facing the country.  The Lebanese, alone, can, should, and must elect a president, urgently.  Doing so, of course, alone, won't solve all of the many problems challenging this country; but it will enable Lebanon to face those challenges in accordance with the Constitution and the National Pact, which seems to me and to so many friends of Lebanon to be a necessity.
I'd also like to take this occasion to reiterate that the United States remains committed to supporting Lebanon's efforts to make the transformation to an oil and gas producing country.  Our approach has always been to listen and to learn from Lebanese officials on how they wish to proceed on this issue, and to discuss how best the United States could be of help.  It is a Lebanese decision on how to proceed, but of course Lebanon stands to gain considerably from its oil and gas reserves and we have always stood ready to work with the Lebanese authorities to be of help in finding solutions to all of those issues, and in fact, have offered ideas to both Israel and to Lebanon.  We will continue to play an active role on this front as long as desired.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Statement by Ambassador David Hale following his meeting with Prime Minister Tammam Salam

December 16, 2014
I just had the honor of meeting with Prime Minister Salam.   A primary topic of our discussion was yesterday's launch of the latest crisis relief plan for Lebanon.  The burden on Lebanon and Lebanese communities hosting refugees is great.  The tolerance and generosity shown by the Lebanese people toward those fleeing violence in Syria are remarkable.  And the gap in unmet needs to house, feed, clothe and to attend to the needs of the refugees is still far too great.  The American people have also demonstrated generosity, with nearly $617 million in American assistance provided already, in Lebanon alone, to help meet those needs and those of host communities.  You can count on continued American support in the face of this humanitarian challenge, just as you can count on us and other partners on the security front.      
There is widespread international support for Lebanon.  As Lebanon works to uphold its policy of dissociation from the conflict in Syria, international partners are giving Lebanon tangible means to do so.  Rarely has there been such widespread support favoring Lebanese security and stability.  The challenges remain significant, but I have great faith and confidence that Lebanon's security services, with international support, can meet them.
With such broad support, there should be no question that the Lebanese can and should elect a president, away from foreign agendas or interference.  The choice of a president should be for the Lebanese alone, but should be made urgently.  I believe that once such a choice is made, the international community will support the outcome.  There is no cause or rationale for delay, and there should be no expectation of future external events that might influence the outcome one way or the other.  To wait is to invite instability and the further erosion of the institution of the presidency.  To proceed with electing a president will serve the interest of Lebanon and the Lebanese people.  

Friday, December 12, 2014

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

December 12, 2014
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy Spence Visits Lebanon (December 12, 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 Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Jean Kahwagi and Minister of Interior Nuhad Mashnouk.  Dr. Spence highlighted the long-standing security partnership between the United States and Lebanon through ongoing training and assistance programs, a more than $1 billion investment since 2005.  Dr. Spence extended his condolences for the deaths of LAF and Internal Security Forces (ISF) members at the hands of extremists and underscored the solidarity of the United States with Lebanon and its people in their fight against terrorism.  
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy Dr. Matthew Spence visited Lebanon this week and met with political and military leaders including Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Jean Kahwagi and Minister of Interior Nuhad Mashnouk.  Dr. Spence highlighted the long-standing security partnership between the United States and Lebanon through ongoing training and assistance programs, a more than $1 billion investment since 2005.  Dr. Spence extended his condolences for the deaths of LAF and Internal Security Forces (ISF) members at the hands of extremists and underscored the solidarity of the United States with Lebanon and its people in their fight against terrorism.