Sison: We Are Proud to Support Lebanon”s Economic Strength, Key Institutions
U.S. Ambassador Michele Sison said during a celebration of the 233rd anniversary of the United States” independence that her country is proud to support the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces.
"America is proud to be a partner in supporting Lebanon”s economic strength, in supporting Lebanon”s education system and civil society. We are also proud to support the key Lebanese institutions of the Army and the Internal Security Forces," Sison told more than 1000 guests at the U.S. embassy on Thursday.
"To our Lebanese guests tonight, let me emphasize that in America, you will continue to find a strong friend and partner, shared values, and an unwavering commitment to your freedom and democracy," she said.
Sison also hoped that the celebration would become tomorrow”s partnership. "There”s nothing we can”t accomplish, no challenge we can”t meet, if we work together toward common goals and seek common ground."
The attendees included national and local government officials, business executives, religious leaders, Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces officers, media personalities, cultural figures and alumni of U.S. government-sponsored programs.
Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh represented President Michel Suleiman in the ceremony. MP Ali Bazzi was the representative of Speaker Nabih Berri while caretaker Premier Fouad Saniora sent Minister Nassib Lahoud to represent him. MP Bassam al-Shab represented Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri.
Among the invited guests were those who work with USAID, the Middle East Partnership Initiative and Public Diplomacy on projects such as small business development, leadership training, civil society promotion, transparency, and combating trafficking in persons.