PRESS RELEASES 2007

U.S. Ambassador Honors and Thanks Minister Walid Junblatt

May 3, 2007

Ambassador Feltman and Minister Walid Junblatt before the antique olive tree...

 

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey D. Feltman thanked Member of Parliament Minister Walid Junblatt for the gift of an olive tree from the Chouf at a ceremony held at the U.S. Embassy in Awkar, May 3, 2007.  The olive tree has been planted in front of the Embassy Consulate, facing the U.S. Embassy memorial to American and Lebanese who gave their lives in Lebanon in the service of the United States.  Speaking to Embassy employees and a number of invited Lebanese guests, Ambassador Feltman said, “The olive tree is a universal symbol of peace and I can think of no greater message for Lebanon and the region.  But the olive tree also stands for tradition and continuity, sustenance and subsistence.  Olive trees provide the connection between generations; they grow old with us yet each new crop of fruit reminds us also of the promise of renewal and regeneration. 

Ambassador Feltman added, “I hope that this sturdy tree that has survived so much over the years will grow deep roots and produce new leaves.  I hope it will thrive on our Embassy compound where so many Lebanese and Americans work together to ensure that Lebanon doesn’t just survive, but thrives also.”

The ceremony was also attended by Minister of Communications Marwan Hamadeh, Members of Parliament Samir Franjieh and Wael Abou-Faour, and former Members of Parliament Fares Souaid, Nassib Lahoud, and Ghattas Khoury, as well as Lebanese and American employees of the U.S. Embassy.