Ambassador Hale says Baabda declaration foundation for Lebanese to deal with their challenges

Change and Reform Bloc Leader MP Michel Aoun met on Monday at his residence in Rabieh with the US Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale.                  

Following the meeting, Ambassador Hale said dialogue with MP Aoun revealed areas of common grounds as well as areas where they may differ, expressing his will to meet and engage with all Lebanese factions to understand all Lebanese perspectives.                    

“One important area of agreement today with MP Aoun was our shared emphasis on supporting Lebanon’s constitutional practices, institutions, and traditions,” Ambassador Hale said.                                 

Ambassador Hale added that he discussed with MP Aoun the Baabda Declaration, and agreed with him that it provides a foundation for all Lebanese to deal with the challenges they are facing.                     

On another note, Ambassador Hale confirmed to MP Aoun that the United States believes that all religious communities must be free to practice their faiths and ways of life wherever they are, and to participate in the institutions that govern them.                   

“We will continue to advocate for the freedom and representation of all religions here in Lebanon as we do around the world; diversity is a defining characteristic of Lebanon, and we support those who seek to preserve it,” Hale said.                        

Hale also condemned the atrocities occurring against innocent civilians in Syria, as well as attacks directed against vulnerable minorities, including Christians.          

The two officials also discussed the implementation of the 1701 UN Security Council resolution.                

In this regard, Ambassador Hale said the US believes that Lebanon will only achieve lasting stability with the full implementation of all outstanding UN resolutions and with all parties abiding by the provisions of the Baabda Declaration.