2006 press releases
Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Dr. John Hillen Visits Lebanon
May 5, 2006Statement During Roundtable with Press
I am pleased to be here today in Beirut. I just came from a meeting with Prime Minister Siniora at the Grand Serail. I appreciate the useful exchange we had on the situation in Lebanon and in the region. Last month, as you know, President Bush expressed to Prime Minister Siniora the strong support of the United States for a free, independent, and sovereign Lebanon. This visit is an opportunity for me, on behalf of the U.S. Government, to reiterate our commitment to Lebanon in this period of great opportunity and historic transformation.
My goal in this visit is to look specifically at the regional security situation, reform of the security sector in Lebanon, and the U.S.-Lebanese military-to-military relationship. The Lebanese Armed Forces have long enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the U.S. military, and we are looking for opportunities to enhance that relationship further. While in Lebanon, I also intend to discuss the important mission of UNIFIL in maintaining peace and stability.
UNSCR 1559 made it clear that the international community expects the disarmament of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias. Let me just say that I am encouraged by the initiative of the National Dialogue, a Lebanese-designed and Lebanese-led process, to address what this international obligation entails.
Statement Following Meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Fawzi Sallouk
I would like to thank Minister Fawzi Salloukh for hosting me this morning at the Foreign Ministry. This was the final meeting of my three-day visit to Lebanon, visit that has been useful and informative. I very much appreciated the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Siniora after my arrival on Wednesday, to follow up on the recent discussions the Prime Minister and his delegation held in Washington. Similarly, I had a series of excellent discussions yesterday, which included meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Murr, LAF Commander Suleiman, and ISF Director-General Rifi. I also enjoyed the hospitality of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, which hosted me at their base in Naqoura and briefed me on their important mission here.
Last month, as you know, President Bush met with Prime Minister Siniora at the White House. The President reiterated the very strong support of the United States for a free, sovereign, and democratic Lebanon. My visit to Lebanon now offers yet another opportunity to reaffirm to the Government of Lebanon and the Lebanese people the firm, enduring and non-negotiable support of the United States for Lebanon during this period of great opportunity and historic transformation.
Lebanon faces many challenges but the conversations I have had during my visit indicate the very strong desire of the Lebanese to work for a secure, stable and united Lebanon with a more hopeful future. Lebanon has made its commitment to international law clear. We are all aware that UNSCR 1559 imposes certain obligations on Lebanon. I am hopeful that a Lebanese-designed and Lebanese-led process, such as the ongoing National Dialogue, is the way forward to a solution.
The United States seeks to enhance its security cooperation relationship with Lebanon. This is not because we want to impose "made in America" solutions on Lebanese problems. Rather, we simply want to help our Lebanese friends reform and build capacity in the security sector. Lebanon’s military and security services should have the capabilities that any free, sovereign, and democratic country deserves. This was a message I shared in my meetings. I also expressed my sincere hope that these meetings were just the beginning of a new dialogue on security cooperation between our two countries.
