2005 press releases
U.S. Embassy Signs Agreement to Purchase Land for New Embassy Compound in Baabda
August 4, 2005
U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman signed an agreement, at the Press Syndicate
August 4, 2005, to purchase a 72,571 square meter site in Baabda from La
Lainiere Nationale S.A.L. The site will be used to build a new U.S. Embassy
compound.
The U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Building will
request from the U.S. Congress approximately $111 million to fund construction
of buildings, to include a chancery, consulate, staff residences, warehouse and
annexes. Once begun, construction will last for 28 to 30 months.
The U.S. Government had purchased a site in Ramlet El-Baida for a new Embassy in 1960. Construction began several years later, however, ceased during the civil war. After a car bomb destroyed the U.S. Embassy in Ain el-Mreissi on April 18, 1983, Embassy staff relocated to Awkar. The 9000 square meter Ramlet El-Baida site no longer meets U.S. Government security requirements. As a precondition for purchase of a new site, the U.S. Congress mandated the Ramlet El-Baida property be sold. With sale of the property completed on July 5, 2005, the Embassy proceeded to finalize purchase of the Baabda site.
In remarks at the signing, Ambassador Feltman underscored America’s long-term commitment to Lebanon. The Ambassador said, “The successful partnership between the Lebanese people and the international community has advanced Lebanon towards full sovereignty and independence. The United States is committed to working side-by-side with the Lebanese people to achieve the political, economic, and institutional reforms they demand. This is a long-term commitment aimed at strengthening the important relationships between our two countries, Lebanon and the United States. Signing this agreement to purchase land to house our new Embassy compound is a testament to the sincerity of our promise to work with Lebanese people to achieve the stable, prosperous, democratic and independent Lebanon they deserve and desire.”
