press releases 2008

Remarks by Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman Following his Farewell Visit to the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri

January 17, 2008

Today, I had the honor to pay a farewell call on His Excellency President Berri, Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament.  This is one of a series of meetings I will have over the next couple of weeks in order to express my admiration for Lebanon, to say thank you for the generous friendship that has been extended to me personally and for the cooperation that has been given to me officially, and most important to reinforce the enduring nature of U.S. support for Lebanon.  Yes, I am departing six months later than I had planned -- but the U.S. commitment to Lebanon is unchanging.

I told President Berri how much I had appreciated his call to me and his words to the U.S. Government and American people when one of our Embassy vehicles was struck by a bomb earlier this week.  The concern showed by so many Lebanese, from across Lebanon's political spectrum, comforted us.  Like the Lebanese, we mourn for those killed and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. 

But, as I told President Berri, this attack was directed against Lebanon.  It was an attack against the idea of a secure, prosperous, united, democratic, sovereign Lebanon, where citizens can live free of fear of assassination and terrorist attacks.  I am convinced that this attack, like the murders and attacks that preceded this one, will not succeed in weakening the Lebanese determination for independence, security, and democracy.  And this attack certainly will not weaken the international partnership for Lebanon.  This attack will not undermine U.S. resolve to support Lebanon.

In our view, the reinvigoration of Lebanon's constitutional institutions will strengthen security and the rule of law.  We believe that it is essential that Lebanon have the presidential vacuum filled as soon as possible.  I told Speaker Berri that, before I return to Washington, I very much looked forward to offering the congratulations of the United States to a Lebanese president, freely elected by Lebanon's Parliament and according to Lebanon's constitution.