2006 press releases

Statement by Assistant Secretary C. David Welch after meeting Patriarch Sfeir

Jan. 14, 2006

Transcript: U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs C. David Welch
Press Availability following meeting with Patriarch SfeirBeirut, Lebanon

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Assistant Secretary Welch: I am pleased to have had the opportunity this morning to meet with His Eminence Patriarch Sfeir. I have been joined here by our Ambassador, Ambassador Feltman, and Mr. Elliott Abrams from the White House. The meeting that we had with His Eminence gave an opportunity for us to hear the Patriarch’s views on the situation in Lebanon, and particularly for us to understand the concerns of his community and for Mr. Abrams and me to convey the views of the United States. I appreciate His Eminence’s time, his thoughts, his analysis and the opportunity to have a dialogue about the situation.

Speaking on behalf of the American Administration, I reaffirmed to His Eminence the continuity of the commitment of the United States to Lebanon and the people of Lebanon. I emphasized to him that this commitment is firm, enduring and non-negotiable. We, the American people, and the American Administration, stand solidly with the people of Lebanon. We will not support any efforts, any deals, or any promises, that would trade away the sovereignty of Lebanon in return for something called “stability,” which is in reality foreign interference.

The United States remains confident that the discussions being held among the Lebanese people present the promise of a strong, united and democratic Lebanon--a Lebanon that offers prosperity and security for all its people. Lebanon’s diverse population is a rich reservoir of talent and energy upon which transparent and accountable government institutions can be built, upon which a good, strong economy can be built and most importantly of all, upon which a hopeful future for all of the country’s citizens can be constructed. I assured His Eminence that he and his community could count on the support of the United States for Lebanon’s unity, its prosperity, its security, its freedom, and its democracy.

Question: Will you request a meeting with President Lahoud?

Assistant Secretary Welch: Our meeting today is a sign of our respect for the Patriarch and for his role in the leadership of this community. And a sign for us to demonstrate, not just to the Maronite community of Lebanon but to all Lebanese, that now is the time for unity and for people to stand together, with purpose and strength, to resolve this country’s problems, and we the Americans, will help them in that effort. Thank you all very much.

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