2005 press releases

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

Press availability following meeting with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora

November 8, 2005

Deputy Assistant Secretary Dibble: Thank you very much. Good evening. I am very pleased to be back in Beirut. It's been a very good visit. The aim of my visit has been to focus on a very important aspect of the historic transformation that Lebanon is undergoing now and that is the economy. My visit was timed to coincide with the opening of "Made in America 2005" trade show, which is the third annual trade fair promoting U.S. products and services in Lebanon. With more than 300 American companies participating, the fair is a huge vote of confidence by the American private sector in Lebanon's economic future.

I've also had a full two days of meetings aimed at following up on the very successful Core Group meeting held in New York, September 25-26. I met with a number of key players here in Lebanon, both inside and outside the Cabinet, to hear their assessment of the steps taken so far to realize the Lebanese Government's plans for political, economic and institutional reform. In my meeting just now with Prime Minister Siniora, and earlier with Minister of Finance Jihad Azour, I emphasized the importance the United States and the international community attach to Lebanon implementing a comprehensive reform program that will increase investor confidence and bring public accountability and transparency to Lebanon's public sector.

I just completed an excellent meeting with Minister Seniora and greatly appreciate the useful exchange we had on the current situation in Lebanon and in the region. The U.S. is deeply committed to its relationship with Lebanon and my visit today is, once again, a reaffirmation of American support for the Lebanese people and for the Government of Lebanon as they advance with courage and determination to achieve their vision of a secure, prosperous and democratic Lebanon. Thank you.

Question: (off mike about Hizballah)

Deputy Assistant Secretary Dibble: Lebanon is clearly a very diverse mosaic, with groups holding various viewpoints. These groups are enunciating their viewpoints, as is expected in a democratic society where everyone has the right to express a point of view. After an internal debate within the society, then decisions are taken. So I don't see that that is a contradiction at all.

Question: How do you assess the steps taken so far by Lebanon on political and economic reform? Are you satisfied with them?

Deputy Assistant Secretary Dibble: When the Lebanese Government made its presentation in New York in September, it outlined in general terms the reform steps it intended to take. What I heard right now was an update on that. I think there has been very good progress made. I know the IMF was here recently and that the World Bank has been here, too. I think all of this demonstrates the support of the international community for the steps that Lebanon is taking now and will take in the future.

Question: What about discussion of UNSCR 1559 and 1636?

Deputy Assistant Secretary Dibble: Well this is my third trip to Lebanon and I've learned that you cannot separate economics and politics or separate politics from everything! Yes, we did discuss in my various meetings both UN Security Council Resolutions. UNSCR 1636 was adopted, unanimously, by the Security Council, just over a week ago. With a week into its life, we are still waiting to see it implemented. I understand from the media that Mr. Mehlis has made additional requests from the Syrians for additional cooperation and that is what we will be looking for. And we will see what he determines when he gets back to the Security Council.

Terje Roed-Larsen presented his report on UNSCR 1559 last week. He pointed to some progress in the implementation of UNSCR 1559. He noted some changes here on the ground but also noted that UNSCR 1559 had not been fully implemented and there were other things that must be done. So, on that resolution, there has been progress, and there have been encouraging signs but there still is more to be done.

Question: (Off mike)

Deputy Assistant Secretary Dibble: Well first of all. This is not just the United States, it's the international community. I think what we are seeing now it that Lebanon is in the midst of a transformation. This year, for the first time, Lebanon will celebrate in a couple of weeks, its independence. This will be the first time in 30 years that Lebanon will be celebrating Independence Day without someone else calling the shots. I think the new team that has been assembled and is working on these issues has shown real determination and courage to move forward. We are very pleased to work with Lebanon's new team as it develops its economic program and then to assist with implementation.

Question: Will your government be represented at the Independence Day reception?

Deputy Assistant Secretary Dibble: I don't know that we've been invited yet to a reception marking Independence Day. I think I have time for one more question.

Question: What about an international tribunal for those implicated in the Hariri assassination?

Deputy Assistant Secretary Dibble: This is something that as the investigation moves forward and Judge Mehlis makes recommendations, we'll have to see where we go.

Thank you very much.