Speeches

Opening of "The Landmarks of New York"

Feb. 7, 2006

I’m pleased you could join us this evening for the opening of “The Landmarks of New York,” 80 photographs offering an illustrated record of New York City’s historic buildings. To highlight the importance of historic preservation and the value of cultural heritage, I’m pleased that we are able to hold this event in the crypt of St. Joseph Church, in a neighborhood of Beirut that has retained its traditional character and charm. But I also want to take note of the violent and unsettling activities that took place nearby here on Sunday, and which resulted in the destruction of buildings, businesses, cars and property.

The United States has been clear that it views the cartoons depicting Mohamed as a terrorist as offensive and morally repugnant. We also recognize that in a free society, people have the right to express views even when they are offensive and wrong. Those who disagree have the right to condemn such views, but the condemnations should be peaceful. We urge all parties, including Lebanon’s diverse communities, to engage in dialogue and discussion rather than violence and confrontation to address their concerns. We stand, equally, with our friends and allies in Europe and across the globe in urging a constructive and peaceful dialogue emphasizing respect for all religious faiths.

Sunday's violence both reflected tensions in Lebanon and took advantage of them. Nevertheless, the Lebanese people, drawing on their traditions of tolerance and respect, have resisted a call to arms. We applaud those Lebanese, in the government and outside it, from the full spectrum of Lebanon’s religious communities, who have appealed for calm. Recognizing the risks of division, they have focused efforts on preserving and strengthening the country's unity. This should give all of us great hope for Lebanon’s future. For its part, the United States continues to extend its support to the Prime Minister and his Cabinet, to the Lebanese Parliament, and to the Lebanese people as you worth together through some very difficult issues.

The exhibit to which we have invited you today celebrates America’s cultural heritage and the 40th anniversary of the New York City Landmarks Law that ensured its preservation. These striking photographs document some of New York’s most well-loved and important cultural and architectural icons.

In the United States, the passage of the New York City Landmarks Law 40 years ago was an important step in ensuring the preservation of buildings with unique character or special historic or aesthetic value. What the New York City Landmarks Law recognizes is that by protecting historic buildings, America is safeguarding its historic, aesthetic and cultural heritage. Preservation can have a very positive economic impact on a neighborhood, benefiting tourism, business and industry.

"The Landmarks of New York" exhibit, like our donations from the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation and USAID projects to develop cultural tourism, aim to support Lebanon’s own efforts to preserve, protect and promote its cultural heritage. I am pleased that we are able to show this exhibit in both Beirut and in al Mina, Tripoli. Beit-al-Fann in al Mina, where the photos will be shown at during the week of February 23-27, offers additional proof that preserving a historic neighborhood brings it new life as well.

Lebanon should be proud of the diversity of its traditions and the richness of its cultural heritage. With the Lebanese people working with such energy and commitment to advance their vision of a sovereign, free and united Lebanon in the future, it is also important to safeguard architectural reminders of Lebanon’s unique past. In both honoring the past and building a hopeful future, the United States will remain an unwavering and steadfast ally and friend to Lebanon and the Lebanese people.

Thank you for joining us tonight in yet another affirmation of our firm friendship and enduring relationship. In this historic building in Beirut, let me invite you now to enjoy, "The Landmarks of New York."