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.
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.
posted by DELTA BLOG at 7:32 AM
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