Richard Says U.S. Wants to Help in Building 'Lebanese State'
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard announced Tuesday that the United States wants to support the Lebanese in their endeavor to “build the Lebanese State.”
“Two hundred and forty two years later, Americans still accept and embrace the courage that democracy requires. We are not the only democracy that understands this. I think that Lebanon showed courage this last year, by holding the first elections in nine years,” Richard said at a Awkar ceremony marking the 242nd anniversary of America's independence.
“Your elected leaders will now have to continue to show courage as they work to form the next government,” the ambassador added.
“As a U.S. Government, and the U.S. Embassy, we want to continue to support the important work of helping you build the Lebanese State,” she went on to say.
Noting that Washington continues to invest in the “development and economic growth” of Lebanon, Richard said the U.S. has “robust programs in public health, agriculture, and small and medium business” in Lebanon.
“We continue to invest in the future of Lebanon, with extensive programs in education, from primary school to university scholarships,” she added.
“And we continue to invest heavily in the professionalization of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces,” Richard reassured.
She added: “I believe that as long as we share a common vision of the future, the United States will continue to support the citizens of this country as they work to build a better future for Lebanon.”
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