2005 press releases

U.S. Ambassador Visits His Eminence Patriarch Sfeir

May 16, 2005

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Jeffrey Feltman, visited his Eminence Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir on May 16, 2005 to wish him a happy birthday. Following is his statement following the visit:

“On behalf of the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Government, I visited His Eminence Patriarch Sfeir today to wish him a most happy birthday.

I also used the occasion to share perspectives with His Eminence about political developments in Lebanon. I reviewed with His Eminence the principles of U.S. policy toward Lebanon. In full partnership with the international community, the United States is promoting a process by which the Lebanese people themselves will have the freedom to determine their own fate. This process does not aim to replace one type of foreign interference with another but is designed to return decision making for Lebanon fully back into the hands of the Lebanese. We are supporting a process, but the decisions taken are Lebanese. In our view, much has been achieved so far, but much more needs to be done so that the Lebanese feel truly free and secure.

The process that the international community is supporting has several components. One important milestone was the departure, less than one month ago, of all Syrian military forces from Lebanon, accompanied by the closure of important Syrian Military Intelligence offices. This was a critical step that many Lebanese had worked hard for years to achieve. In our view, what made the Syrian withdrawal possible this year was a combination of two factors. First, there was strong international consensus and resolve, as demonstrated by UNSCR 1559, to see Syria withdraw its military forces and intelligence assets. Second, the Lebanese people themselves, united by the shock of Prime Minister Hariri's murder, came together in unprecedented numbers and unity to demand that Syria withdraw its forces. The photographs beamed around the world of the Lebanese people working together on March 14 inspired the world and renewed the international commitment to assist the Lebanese in this process. According to our analysis, the fact that most Syrian assets were withdrawn shows how much the Lebanese can accomplish when the Lebanese pull together.

As another step in this process of transformation in Lebanon, the U.S. also has supported the call of the Lebanese people to find out the truth behind the murder of Prime Minister Hariri. The United States welcomes UN Secretary General Annan's appointment on May 13 of the Commissioner of the UN Independent Investigation Commission into the Assassination of Prime Minister Hariri.

The United States, with the international community, also supports the upcoming legislative elections in the timeframe announced by the Government of Lebanon. We view these elections as another important step toward the full recovery of Lebanese sovereignty and independence. In that regard, we welcome the commitment of the Government of Lebanon to cooperate fully with international election monitors and those providing technical assistance. This cooperation will help ensure the full credibility of these elections. We have full confidence in the wisdom and maturity of the Lebanese people to elect Parliamentary representatives who are committed to nurturing, respecting and protecting Lebanon's rich cross-confessional diversity. We believe that it is the responsibility of the Lebanese political leadership to see that these elections are truly an opportunity to reinforce Lebanon's freedom and democracy. The United States is encouraged by some recent efforts and decisions taken by Lebanese politicians to address some of the concerns raised about the legal framework for these elections.

It is worth noting that, in our view, the process of Lebanon's transformation does not end with the conclusion of the upcoming elections. The international community and the United States stand ready to assist the Parliament and the Cabinet that will emerge from these elections as they work to address the needs of Lebanon and to serve as credible representatives of all of the population of Lebanon. It is clear to us that the people of Lebanon are asking not only for a complete recovery of Lebanon's sovereignty. The Lebanese people are also demanding a meaningful reform program that will restore people's confidence in their governing institutions. To the extent that U.S. assistance is welcome in this process, we look forward to promoting these Lebanese goals.

Because of the remarkable Lebanese unity demonstrated over the past several months, the eyes of the world are watching Lebanon today, in admiration, hope and partnership. I am sure that the behavior of the Lebanese people, as they face the future united and respectful of Lebanon's multi-confessional richness, will continue to inspire the international community in the weeks and months to come.”