2006 press releases

Visit of Department of State Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Henry A. Crumpton

May 23, 2006

Statement by Department of State Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Henry A. Crumpton After Meeting Prime Minister Siniora Grand Serail

My meeting with Prime Minister Siniora capped off a very informative and useful day of discussions with members of the Government of Lebanon and others. I'd like to thank the Prime Minister for hosting me this afternoon at the Grand Serail and giving so generously of his time for a very useful exchange of views on the situation in Lebanon and in the region.

I am very pleased to be in Beirut today to follow up on issues President Bush and other U.S. Government officials discussed with Prime Minister Siniora during his visit to Washington last month. The series of high-level U.S. visits to Lebanon you have witnessed recently is tangible proof of the firm, enduring and non-negotiable support of the United States for Lebanon and the Lebanese people. I've used my meetings today to reiterate President Bush';s strong commitment to Lebanese sovereignty and independence. In each meeting, I have emphasized the sincerity of our commitment to the Government of Lebanon and to the Lebanese people as they work together to realize the vision of a secure, prosperous, united and democratic Lebanon.

In this regard, I used my meeting with Prime Minister Siniora to offer an honest assessment of bilateral issues in my area of responsibility, particularly counterterrorism. Consistent with our commitment to full transparency, I explained U.S. positions on issues of concern to the Lebanese government. I also expressed to the Prime Minister my strong interest in expanding cooperation between our two countries to promote the safety and security of our two peoples. Specifically, the al-Qa'ida network poses a threat to both Lebanon and the United States. I reaffirmed the willingness of the United States to assist Lebanon in building its capacity to face the al-Qa'ida threat.

I offered Prime Minister Siniora condolences for the death of Lebanese soldier Mustafa Methlej, who died as a result of a shooting near Lebanon's border with Syria. Such actions are in direct contravention of a series of international resolutions, including UNSCR 1559, calling for respect for Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence. I note also the UN Secretary General's most recent report on implementation of UNSCR 1559, as well as UNSCR 1680, which call on Syria to take measures against movements of arms into Lebanon.

The United States recognizes that Lebanon is engaged in a historic transformation to sovereignty and independence. The Lebanese people can know that their struggle remains a top priority on President Bush's Freedom Agenda. We are proud to work with the Government of Lebanon to ensure that all of Lebanon's diverse citizens benefit from the promise of democracy, prosperity and security. Working together, our two diverse and democratic countries can ensure a better future for the peoples of both our countries, Lebanon and the United States.