National Day Message for Lebanon

Media Notice
For Immediate Release
As the people of Lebanon celebrate the anniversary of their independence on November 22, I extend to them my warm congratulations, as well as those of the American people.  The United States strongly supports Lebanon's founding principles of sovereignty and independence, and the exercise of freedoms for all.
As a friend of the Lebanese people, the United States regrets this anniversary day passes without an elected President of the Lebanese Republic, an important but missing symbol of the unity of the nation and a key factor in promoting Lebanese sovereignty and stability.  The election of a president must be a Lebanese decision only, but it is a decision that must be taken for the sake of the Lebanese people.
The United States is proud of our strong relations with the Lebanese people.  These include economic, cultural, and educational ties over many generations.  These ties have been bolstered by the numerous contributions of Americans of Lebanese descent.  We are also proud of our long standing relationship with the Lebanese Armed Forces, and the Internal Security Forces, and of our contributions to the development of these state institutions, which alone have the legitimacy and responsibility to defend Lebanon's borders and safeguard its citizens, and are accountable to all Lebanese.  The United States will continue to stand with our Lebanese partners in the face of the threat extremists pose to our countries and the world.
The Lebanese people are among the most resilient in the world.  I am confident that, with the support of the international community, they can continue to overcome adversity and build a path to stability and prosperity in the face of the numerous challenges Lebanon is facing in the region today.  The Lebanese people deserve this and more.  On this happy occasion, I pay tribute to them and to the enduring ties between our two countries.
Sincerely, 
Barack Obama

Statement by U.S. Ambassador David Hale Following His Meeting with Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bachara al-Rai

November 13, 2014
I had an excellent meeting with His Beatitude.  We discussed his recent visit to Washington.  On the part of the United States, we were so pleased to receive him at the White House, along with the other patriarchs, and that they and the President were able to spend so much time together.  The President emphasized that the U.S. recognizes the importance of the historic role of Christian communities in the region and of protecting Christians throughout the Middle East. 
The Patriarch and I also discussed the political situation in Lebanon.  The United States is deeply concerned about the paralysis of Lebanon's political institutions, which started with the failure to elect a president in May and led to the regrettable, recent decision to postpone parliamentary elections and extend the term of the current parliament again.  We once again 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.  We also urge Lebanese leaders to schedule and hold parliamentary elections as soon as possible.

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.