2006 press releases
U.S. Embassy Offers Condolences on Death of President Elias Hrawi
July 7, 2006The U.S. Embassy offers condolences to the people of Lebanon on the passing of President Elias Hrawi.
President Hrawi, in office from 1989 until 1998, led Lebanon through a difficult and decisive period in Lebanon's history. In promoting reconciliation among the Lebanese after the civil war, President Hrawi offered the Lebanese people the promise of sovereignty and unity. As head of state, President Hrawi applied the constitutional powers of the presidency to build partnerships inside Lebanon and with the international community, in order to advance the interests of his country. President Hrawi worked with a series of U.S. Secretaries of States, and his constructive relationships with U.S. officials, including his talks with President George H.W. Bush, symbolized the warmth of the U.S.-Lebanese relationship.
Much of the work that President Hrawi began remains to be completed. His strong Lebanese patriotism can inspire the next generation of Lebanese leaders to think of Lebanon first. The United States remains committed to helping the Lebanese people see President Hrawi's dream for a united, prosperous, free, and democratic Lebanon fully implemented. In the spirit of the partnership we had with President Hrawi, the United States looks forward to working hand-in-hand with a freely elected Lebanese president to help achieve these goals.
