U.S.-LEBANAN MEETING ON MIDDLE EAST ISSUES

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Deputy Secretary Burns' Meeting with former Lebanese Prime Minister Siniora

Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
November 14, 2012

Deputy Secretary William Burns met former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora at the Department of State yesterday afternoon. The two discussed ongoing developments in Lebanon and the broader situation in the Middle East. The Deputy Secretary emphasized the United States’ commitment to a stable, sovereign, and independent Lebanon.

Deputy Secretary Burns and former Prime Minister Siniora agreed on the importance of responsible Lebanese political leaders coming together to forge agreement on a process to form a new government that reflects the aspirations of the Lebanese people. They discussed the importance of holding accountable the perpetrators of the October 19 terrorist attack and other attacks to deter the use of assassination as a political tool and end the era of impunity in Lebanon.

The Deputy Secretary and former Prime Minister Siniora discussed the crisis in Syria. Deputy Secretary Burns reaffirmed our support for the Syrian Opposition Coalition as it charts a course toward the start of a peaceful, just, and democratic future for the Syrian people. Deputy Secretary Burns also reiterated our support for the creation of a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution and as the result of direct negotiations, without preconditions, between the Israelis and Palestinians.