US Ambassador urges MPs to reach presidential consensus, maintain quorum

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea has urged Parliament to perform its sovereign duty by reaching consensus, maintaining a quorum, and electing a president.

"We look forward to partnership with your future president, someone on whom we will count to put the interests of the country first, someone not tainted by corruption or subject to outside influence," Shea said Wednesday night on the 247th Anniversary of the U.S. Independence.

The Ambassador stressed that real change will not come from outside and that the future is in the hands of the Lebanese.

"We also look forward to coordinating with the future prime minister and cabinet, who will play a critical role in righting this country’s path. Let us work on Lebanon’s future together, beginning with the reforms requested by the IMF in order to jumpstart international lending to Lebanon’s economy," Shea said.

She added that she is still so optimistic about Lebanon’s future. "I am inspired by the opportunities I have had to engage with, learn from, and support Lebanon’s activists, students, journalists, educators, and civil society leaders.

"Lebanon is unique for its diversity and the vibrance of its society, and it is this community whose voices are so critical in urging the country and your leadership, to come together to solve the most urgent and difficult issues," she said.

Shea encouraged the Lebanese to keep working together to confront challenges. "Don’t turn your backs on one another, whether due to political or religious affiliations, national origins, or other differences," she said, adding that the United States will continue to be a partner to the Lebanese, "yesterday, today, and tomorrow."