2006 SPEECHES

Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey D. Feltman ACCESS Graduation

December 14, 2006

I'm pleased to welcome you this afternoon to the Residence. Today's event is an opportunity to celebrate the success that each one of you has achieved in our ACCESS English language program during the past two years.

You are our first graduates of this new program-a program we launched to give students from throughout Lebanon the opportunity to study English and to learn more about our American culture. After 400 hours of class and 200 hours of activities, we can all see - or should I say HEAR - how much progress you all have made.

We are proud of your achievements, both inside and outside the classroom. Some of you have become "celebrities" in your schools because of your excellent English skills. Others have earned scholarships from AUB and LAU or participated in programs in the United States such as YES and MEPI. The ACCESS program put these opportunities within your reach; but you earned the honors with your hard work.

The ACCESS program also introduced you to the idea of community service-an important component of American life. Through visits to public libraries, you've learned how libraries can bring communities together. The Association of Volunteer Services (AVS) workshops taught you how to organize a volunteer project from start to finish and develop the courage and self-confidence to do so. Through INJAZ (Junior Achievement), you developed skills to help you join Lebanon's workforce.

So why does the United States Government sponsor ACCESS? Why is it important to us that you maintain your relationship with us? What are America's goals in Lebanon?
We believe that as two diverse, democratic countries, Lebanon and the United States share common values and aspirations. We believe that the strong partnership between our two governments and two peoples offers the promise of a better life and peaceful future for us all.
The goal of the United States is to support the Lebanese people in achieving their vision of a secure and sovereign, peaceful and prosperous state with opportunities for all Lebanese to enjoy democracy and live in dignity.
We don't look to "rule" Lebanon or the Lebanese people. And I can promise you, we have no intention of negotiating away Lebanese independence through a deal with Syria. Our relationship with Lebanon is firm, enduring and non-negotiable.
We want a friendship between our two countries and our two peoples so that we can work together to confront shared challenges. You are important to us because as Lebanon's future leaders, we want you to understand us and know about our culture and our history. We also want you to acquire the skills to achieve your personal and professional goals. Our investment in you, and our commitment to help you achieve success, is a reflection of what we want for Lebanon and the Lebanese people. And we hope that through your participation in ACCESS we had earned your respected and gained your friendship.

I'm proud to offer you congratulations on completion of the ACCESS English language program. We look forward to encouraging and supporting you in your future achievements. Congratulations to you all.