2006 press releases

Statement by Ambassador Jeffrey D. Feltman After Meeting with Patriarch Sfeir

April 27, 2006

Today I briefed His Eminence on the visit of Prime Minister Siniora to Washington, when President Bush reaffirmed the strong, non-negotiable U.S. support for Lebanon. The Prime Minister's delegation, composed of both Christians and Muslims, made an excellent impression on President Bush and others. The delegation also reflected Lebanon's rich confessional diversity and Lebanon's commitment to the Taif accord. I told His Eminence that, in addition to the Prime Minister's trip, my country also looks forward very much to inviting to Washington a Lebanese president who is freely elected according to the Lebanese constitution and who represents Lebanon's future, not its past. Mindful of the importance of the National Dialogue in addressing this issue, we hope that day comes soon.

I noted to His Eminence that our meeting comes one day after the anniversary of the departure of the Syrian troops from Lebanon, after nearly 30 years of occupation. I shared with him our hope that the lingering Syrian interference in Lebanon -- both direct and through its proxies -- will end, so that the Lebanese can truly realize their dreams of freedom, independence, unity, and prosperity. I briefed His Eminence on recent initiatives in Washington in support of Lebanon, including President Bush's intention, announced yesterday, to block any assets in the United States belonging to those implicated in the terrorist attacks that have occurred in Lebanon beginning on October 1, 2004. We hope that those who so brutally killed and maimed too many Lebanese patriots are brought to justice soon.

I also took this occasion to congratulate His Eminence on the 20th anniversary of his investiture.

Patriarch statement article

2006 press releases

Statement by Ambassador Jeffrey D. Feltman After Meeting with Patriarch Sfeir

April 27, 2006

Today I briefed His Eminence on the visit of Prime Minister Siniora to Washington, when President Bush reaffirmed the strong, non-negotiable U.S. support for Lebanon. The Prime Minister's delegation, composed of both Christians and Muslims, made an excellent impression on President Bush and others. The delegation also reflected Lebanon's rich confessional diversity and Lebanon's commitment to the Taif accord. I told His Eminence that, in addition to the Prime Minister's trip, my country also looks forward very much to inviting to Washington a Lebanese president who is freely elected according to the Lebanese constitution and who represents Lebanon's future, not its past. Mindful of the importance of the National Dialogue in addressing this issue, we hope that day comes soon.

I noted to His Eminence that our meeting comes one day after the anniversary of the departure of the Syrian troops from Lebanon, after nearly 30 years of occupation. I shared with him our hope that the lingering Syrian interference in Lebanon -- both direct and through its proxies -- will end, so that the Lebanese can truly realize their dreams of freedom, independence, unity, and prosperity. I briefed His Eminence on recent initiatives in Washington in support of Lebanon, including President Bush's intention, announced yesterday, to block any assets in the United States belonging to those implicated in the terrorist attacks that have occurred in Lebanon beginning on October 1, 2004. We hope that those who so brutally killed and maimed too many Lebanese patriots are brought to justice soon.

I also took this occasion to congratulate His Eminence on the 20th anniversary of his investiture.