speeches 2007
Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to
May 31, 2007
Chairman Leahy;
Senator Cochran;
Senator Hagel;
Senator Salazar;
Senator Cardin;
Congressman Welch;
President Jabbra;
Dr. Heath;
Honored guests all:
It's a pleasure and an honor to welcome you all today to the residence.
Chairman Leahy, I greatly appreciate you bringing this distinguished delegation to Lebanon at this time. The visit is tangible proof to the Lebanese people of the strong bipartisan support in the United States for a sovereign and independent Lebanon. The activism and engagement of the members of this delegation provide both a model for parliamentarians in other countries and a reminder of the important role of the legislative branch for a fully functioning and independent democracy.
Yesterday was an extremely significant day for the Lebanese people. With the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757, the Lebanese people are one step closer to uncovering the truth behind the tragic assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri with the establishment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. The United States will continue its efforts to work with the Lebanese to see that those accused of Rafik Hariri's murder will be held accountable, to bring to an end the sad string of attacks, assassinations and attempted assassinations suffered by the Lebanese people over the years.
Today, we have another opportunity to demonstrate in a very tangible way the commitment of the United States to Lebanon's future by presenting checks totaling $2.9 million dollars to two American educational institutions in Lebanon: Lebanese American University and American University Beirut. These funds are a gift from the American people, appropriated by the U.S. Congress, and administered through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The United States believes that the best investment in Lebanon's future must be in expanding opportunities for Lebanese youth to reach their full potential. In the past ten years, the United States has provided more than $64 million dollars-$64 million dollars-to four American educational institutions in Lebanon: Lebanese American University, American University of Beirut, International College and the American Community School.
These outstanding educational institutions, established by Americans more than a century ago, represent the enduring and long-term commitment of the United States to Lebanon and embody our belief in equal opportunity for all.
Dr. Jabbra, I am pleased to present you with a check for $907,202 (nine hundred seven thousand, two hundred two dollars) for student scholarships. I am proud that this year, through the generosity of the American people, the United States will provide $2.4 million to LAU's scholarship fund. These funds enable 265 Lebanese students from diverse regions of Lebanon to attend LAU-an opportunity they are able to realize through U.S. Government support.
Dr. Heath, I am pleased to present you with a check to American University Beirut for $2,016, 457.24 (Two million, sixteen thousand, four hundred fifty seven dollars and twenty four cents!) The American University of Beirut received $3 million this year to provide scholarship assistance to close to a thousand students enrolled at the university.
I am proud that since 1951, the United States Agency for International Development has funded development projects to benefit Lebanese citizens. USAID projects-such as our support for scholarships and American educational institutions-strengthens the relationships between the people of our two diverse and democratic countries and promotes a shared vision of democracy and a future with opportunity, prosperity and hope.
The U.S. Congress plays an extremely important role in allocating funds to USAID, for the American Schools and Hospital Act, and to support Lebanon. Chairman Leahy and members of the delegation, thank you for your support of our work. We are proud to work on behalf of the American people to help the Lebanese people realize their dream of a peaceful and prosperous, sovereign and secure country.
