Abrams: We admire March 14 leaders for loyalty to Lebanon

 

The assistant national security adviser for Near East and North Africa Elliot Abrams said after meeting with many March 14 leaders he is optimistic about Lebanon and its future.

 

“All the March 14 leaders we met are very loyal to their country and all they care about is to establish a free, independent and sovereign Lebanon”

 

Abrams”s speech came during a dinner hosted by the Lebanese Ambassador in the United States Antoine Shadid in honor of Dr. Samir Geagea and his accompanying delegation. The dinner was attended by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs Rob Dannon, Director of the Office of the Middle East at the Pentagon, James Anderson, American Assistant Secretary of State Robert Dani, Head of Lebanon in the American State Department Ann Somerset and member of the American Congress of Lebanese origin Nick Rahal in addition to representatives of the March 14 alliance and the representative of the “Lebanese Forces” in the United States Joseph Jubeili.

 

Abrams said, ” We were impressed by the loyalty and patriotism of all the March 14 leaders, and their willingness to work for their country, but we waited for long time for you Dr Geagea . Now that I have met you I feel honored and I want to welcome you back to Washington.

 

I Believe you said that what was needed was faith and perseverance and effort. Here I disagree with you a bit. What is required is what you have proven through faith , perseverance ,effort and courage untold. Therefore, I salute you of all what you have done and I am honored to be with you and welcome you to Washington.