2007 speeches

Statement by U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey D. Feltman Following His Meeting With Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri

January 22, 2007

I was pleased to see His Excellency Speaker Nabih Berri today, to be able to share with him the U.S. views regarding the upcoming Paris III conference. This conference is something positive for all of Lebanon -- not for any particular Lebanese group, but for all. Those countries and institutions participating in Paris III are doing so, in fact, because of the opportunity to demonstrate our collective support for all of Lebanon.

The high-level participation in Paris later this week will be testimony to the international community's conviction that the reform program developed by the government in consultation with broader Lebanese society is designed to build an economic platform on which all Lebanese can prosper. On behalf of my government, I expressed our appreciation to Speaker Berri for his support of Paris III.

Of course, the Speaker and I also discussed political developments in Lebanon. Given our deep confidence in the ability of the Lebanese to run their own country according to their constitutional and democratic traditions, I assured the Speaker that the United States is not interested in imposing solutions. Instead, we support peaceful dialogue among the Lebanese themselves -- genuine dialogue that is free from intimidation, fear, and threats. In addition, I told the Speaker that we sincerely hope the door is still open to the Arab mediation that showed such promise in bringing the Lebanese together.

This country has such potential. Paris III is a real opportunity for Lebanon. We are determined to work with the Lebanese to build the democratic, prosperous, secure, and independent country they deserve. But the responsibility for beginning such a process rests first and foremost with the Lebanese to proceed wisely and democratically. As the Lebanese move in that direction, the United States and Lebanon's other international friends will be with them.