Speeches
Statement After Meeting with Patriarch Sfeir
Jan. 5, 2006
His Eminence, Patriarch Sfeir, and I had positive and constructive discussions today. I took the opportunity to offer Patriarch Sfeir, on behalf of the United States of America, our very best wishes to him, his community, and Lebanon as a whole for the New Year. We noted that the political landscape of Lebanon is quite different today than when we compared notes at this time a year ago. Then, it seemed almost impossible for many people to imagine that a three-decade Syrian military occupation that dictated even the smallest details of Lebanese political life was about to end. Today, the Lebanese themselves are again in charge of deciding how best to move Lebanon forward
I briefed His Eminence on the recent discussions and meetings I had in Washington. I assured His Eminence of continued, strong U.S. support and interest in Lebanon's transformation. The partnership between Lebanon and the international community remains strong and close. I told His Eminence that, as was clear from my meetings in Washington, the U.S. remains deeply concerned with Syrian behavior toward Lebanon. The United States hopes that, in this New Year, Syria will adopt new and positive attitudes toward Lebanon in the spirit of the positive and normal diplomatic relations, based on the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of others, that Lebanese of all political backgrounds tell us they are committed to pursuing with Syria. As a first step, we hope that Syria will fulfill its international obligations under UN Security Council Resolutions 1595, 1636, and 1644 to cooperate fully and unconditionally with the UN International Independent Investigation Commission. The United States has not, and will not, make any compromises or deals contrary to the Lebanese and international commitment both to uncover the truth of the assassination of Prime Minister Hariri and to end the tragic and interrelated series of attacks and assassinations that plagued Lebanon in 2005.
As I told His Eminence, the United States is very aware of the challenges Lebanon faces in the New Year and offers its support. The transformation begun last year is not complete. But the United States has full confidence in the talents and vision of the Lebanese people. While there are some Lebanese politicians who are using language that seems aimed at dividing the Lebanese among themselves, we do not believe that the Lebanese people will fall into that trap. We know that the majority of Lebanese are committed to policies and programs that serve the interest of all Lebanese citizens. I assured His Eminence that the United States remains committed to supporting the Prime Minister and his Cabinet, as they pursue political, economic, institutional and security reforms needed to promote Lebanese unity, prosperity, security, freedom, and democracy. There is much work ahead, but the Lebanese people in this New Year can count on their American friends for support.
