2006 Speeches

Remarks to the Board of Trustees of Haigazian University

May 1, 2006

Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian University;
Members of the Board of Trustees of Haigazian University;
Ladies and gentlemen:

I am very pleased to be with you here this evening to tell you, the members of Haigazian University’s Board of Trustees, how much the U.S. Embassy Beirut values its relationship with Haigazian University.

We admire Haigazian University. And we admire the dedication with which President Haidostian leads an institution that does so much to promote Lebanon as a tolerant, multi-confessional society, respectful of the rights of minorities. Haigazian University, like the American University of Beirut and Lebanese American University, sprung from the idealism of American missionaries. The Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East and the Armenian Missionary Association of America have every reason to feel very proud of the institution they founded.

For more than 50 years, Haigazian has offered a secular, American-style education to students representing all of Lebanon’s diverse communities and confessions. This education doesn’t just develop the intellectual and professional skills of Haigazian students, however; it also aims to instill a sense of social responsibility and leadership. It’s not surprising, then, that Haigazian graduates make giving service an integral part of their personal and professional lives. I can’t think of a more valuable education for Lebanese youth, who are graduating at such an important time of transformation and renewal for their country.

At the U.S. Embassy, we applaud Haigazian’s role as a strong voice for American values, for freedom and democracy, education and service. This is why we were so pleased that Haigazian University applied for American Schools and Hospital Act funding this year—a request we endorsed enthusiastically. The Congressional budget process is not yet complete, and much as I tried, I wasn’t able to extract information about the status of Haigazian’s proposal to share with you this evening. I expect there will be some news in the coming weeks and I hope it will be positive.

Last year, Haigazian University celebrated a significant milestone in its history with its Golden Anniversary. The year 2005 was also significant for the Lebanese people, who with courage and determination, came together as one people, to demand their freedom, sovereignty and independence. But the Lebanese people have not been alone in their struggle.

President Bush has put Lebanon at the top of his Freedom Agenda. As the recent visit of Prime Minister Siniora to Washington D.C. attested, Lebanon retains the U.S. Government’s highest level of attention. During a two hour lunch with President Bush at the White House, in meetings with Secretary of State Rice, National Security Advisor Hadley, and others in the U.S. Government, the message to Lebanon’s Prime Minister was clear and unequivocal: The long-term, non-negotiable commitment of the United States to Lebanon remains as strong and vibrant as ever.

Your gathering this evening affirms this too: The ties between the American and Lebanese people span generations and are sustained by mutual affection. As U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, I am proud to affirm the commitment of the United States to Lebanon and to pledge America’s support to Lebanon and the Lebanese people today, tomorrow and in the future, to build and support a secure, sovereign, democratic, united and prosperous Lebanon. I am confident that Haigazian University will contribute to the realization of this goal.

Thank you for including me in this evening.