Connelly Meets Suleiman, Hopes New Govt. Will Strengthen Lebanon's Stability

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly welcomed on Wednesday President Michel Suleiman's nomination of Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam as a “positive first step” in efforts to form a new government.

She reiterated after holding talks with the president “the United States’ position that the Lebanese people deserve a government that reflects their aspirations and that strengthens Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty, and independence while fulfilling its international commitments.”

The government-formation process “is, and must be, a Lebanese process,” she stressed.

The president and ambassador discussed bilateral relations as well as the political and security situation in Lebanon and regional events.

Connelly further underscored that Lebanon’s democratic process is an immensely valuable achievement that serves as an example to the region, especially during this period of democratic change in the Middle East.

She conveyed the United States’ appreciation for the extraordinary efforts exerted by Suleiman and other responsible leaders to adhere to Lebanon’s legal and constitutional framework to hold timely parliamentary elections.

The ambassador renewed the commitment of the United States to a stable, sovereign, and independent Lebanon.