Connelly Meets Berri, Miqati, Rifi: New Govt. Must Be Formed through Lebanese Process

United States Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly expressed on Thursday her country's support for efforts to form a new government in Lebanon.

She said after holding separate talks with Speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati: “The process to form a new government is, and must be, a Lebanese one.”

She reiterated the United States’ position that the Lebanese people “deserve a government that reflects their aspirations and will strengthen Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty, and independence.”

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.”

Moreover, she conveyed the United States’ appreciation for the extraordinary efforts exerted by President Michel Suleiman, Berri, and Miqati to adhere to Lebanon’s legal and constitutional framework to hold parliamentary elections on time.

In both meetings, the ambassador discussed bilateral relations as well as the political and security situation in Lebanon and regional events.

She also renewed the commitment of the United States to a stable, sovereign, and independent Lebanon.

She later held talks with Internal Security Forces chief Major General Ashraf Rifi on the security situation in Lebanon and U.S. support for the ISF.

Connelly expressed appreciation for Rifi’s support and partnership in deepening bilateral security cooperation between our two countries.

As part of that cooperation, she noted the $100 million in assistance provided to the ISF since 2006 through various assistance programs that provide training, facility upgrades and construction, vehicles, and equipment.

She further reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to assist the ISF to develop into a modern professional police force that serves and protects all of Lebanon’s citizens.

She expressed the United States’ appreciation for the efforts of the ISF and the Lebanese army to work together to preserve stability in Lebanon.