Speeches

Statement After Meeting with Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri

Feb. 21, 2006

I want to express my appreciation to His Excellency Speaker Berri for the time he spent with us today discussing issues of mutual interest. On behalf of my government, I offered the Speaker our very best wishes for the initiative he has announced regarding a national dialogue using the Parliamentary blocs. While I can only speak for the United States, I believe that all of Lebanon's friends in the international community recognize the importance of such a dialogue conducted through Lebanon's constitutional framework and institutions.

As long-term supporters of the Taif accord, we Americans have full confidence that Lebanon's diverse population can address issues of national concern in ways that strengthen Lebanon's unity and that are consistent with international resolutions regarding Lebanon.