2005 press releases

Transcript: Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Elizabeth Dibble

Press availability following meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Fawzi Salloukh

November 7, 2005

Deputy Assistant Secretary Dibble: Good morning. I'm very happy to be back in Beirut. I was last here in July and a lot has happened in that short period. The focus of my visit this time is the historic transformation that Lebanon is undergoing now, and on this visit, I'm focusing on the economy.

My visit was timed to coincide with the "Made in America" trade show, which opens today. This is the third annual trade show promoting U.S. products and services here in Lebanon. With more than 300 American companies participating, this is a huge vote of confidence by the United States in Lebanon's economic future and underscores the important role the private sector can play in Lebanon's economic development. I hope that you will all find an opportunity to visit the trade show during the next two days.

I've just had an excellent meeting with the Foreign Minister to follow up on the very successful Core Group meetings that were held in New York, at the end of September. I will be having more meetings during my stay focusing on follow up to the Core Group meeting. I appreciated hearing the Minister's assessment of the steps taken so far by the Government of Lebanon and its plans for political, economic and institutional reform.

I want to emphasize, as I emphasized to the Minister, the importance that the United States and the international community attach to Lebanon implementing a comprehensive reform program that will increase private sector confidence, investor confidence and bring public accountability and transparency to Lebanon's public sector.

Finally, I want to close by saying that the United States remains deeply committed to its relationship with Lebanon. My visit today is, once again, a reaffirmation of that support for the Lebanese people and for the Government of Lebanon as it advances with courage and determination to achieve the vision of a secure, prosperous and democratic Lebanon.

Question: Some Lebanese ask why America is concerned about the separation of Lebanon from Syria? Hassan Nasrallah said that there is American tutelage in Lebanon. What's your comment?

Deputy Assistant Secretary Dibble: There are strong and very deep historic ties between Lebanon and the United States, with a very vibrant Lebanese community in the United States. Lebanon plays a key role here in the region so it is natural for friends to take an interest in the welfare of their friends. So, it's nothing more than that.

Question: Did you discuss UNSCR 1636 with Minister Salloukh and Syrian cooperation in the Mehlis investigation?

Deputy Assistant Secretary Dibble: Yes, we did discuss fellow up to UNSC Resolution 1636. The unanimous vote on UNSCR 1636 demonstrated the will of the international community and the hope that we will see a resolution and answers to the terrible crime that occurred with the assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri. The ball is now in the Syrian court to cooperate. We very much hope that the Government of Syria will cooperate with Judge Mehlis in his investigation and that at the end of the day there will be answers and that the perpetrators of the crime will be brought to justice.

Question: What is needed from Syria to be considered cooperative?

Deputy Assistant Secretary Dibble: Excuse me?

Question: What is needed from Syria to be considered cooperative?

Deputy Assistant Secretary Dibble: I think Mr. Mehlis spelled that out quite clearly in his report and UNSCR 1636 reinforces that the international community is behind UNIIIC Mehlis and what he's looking for.

Question: Since you are already talking about historical transformation, where does the United States stand in our historical transformation politically? Are you taking the place of Syrian interference in Lebanon?

Deputy Assistant Secretary Dibble: Absolutely not. The United States believes Lebanon is on the road to democratic transformation and will witness restoration of full sovereignty. We have no desire to tell the people of Lebanon what they should do or how they should govern. This is up to the Lebanese people and ultimately those who you elect to represent you in your government. There is a difference between supporting friends and interfering in domestic affairs. We are not interfering whatsoever. We are delighted to see the Syrian troops leave, as I think most Lebanese people are, and we hope this transformation and the restoration of Lebanon's full sovereignty will continue.

Question: Are you meeting with President Emile Lahoud this time?

Deputy Assistant Secretary Dibble: I'm here to inaugurate the "Made in America" trade show and to focus on Core Group follow up and reform efforts.

Question: But you are seeing all the other officials are concerned in this except the president?

Deputy Assistant Secretary Dibble: I'm seeing some officials. I'm not seeing everyone.

Thank you. I'm sorry I have to go to my next appointment.