Washington, D.C. - A delegation from the American Lebanese Coalition, led by the Coalition’s President Dr. Joseph Hage, held a series of meetings on Friday, February 1^st, 2008 with senior US administration officials at the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the Office of the Vice-President and the National Security Council.  The delegation included the Coalition’s Vice-President Dr. Joseph Gebeily, Dr. Elie Semaan, and Messrs. Adib Farha, Fadi Farhat, and Michael Joseph.

The first meeting of the day was with the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Welch who reiterated the US administration’s firm support to the Cedar Revolution and the struggle of the Lebanese to reaffirm their sovereignty and independence.   Mr. Welch also confirmed the continuity of the United States’ logistical support to the Lebanese Armed Forces, Security forces and constitutional government.   The delegation discussed the latest events in Lebanon and the dangers that threaten the Lebanese democratic movement and national security and presented a list of proposals emphasizing the paramount need to elect a President without preconditions and without delay.

Also at the Department of State, The delegation took the opportunity of visiting with the immediate past Ambassador to Lebanon, Jeffrey Feltman, to thank him for his exceptional service during his tenure in Lebanon and to congratulate him on his new position as deputy assistant secretary for Near East Affairs.  Ambassador Feltman discussed the current situation in Lebanon in a meeting with the Coalition’s Senior Policy Adviser, Mr Adib Farha.

The Delegation then headed to the department of Defense where they met with General Mark Kimmitt, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East.  The discussions focused on the current situation in Lebanon emphasizing the security concerns.

The next stop was at the White House where the delegates met with National Security adviser to the Vice-President, John Hannah.  The discussions centered on the political, diplomatic and logistical efforts of the US administration and its European allies aimed at assisting the Lebanese in reaching a favorable resolution to the current presidential crisis.

The delegation concluded the day with a meeting at the National Security Council with the Director for Lebanon and Syria,  Ms. Erin Yerger who relayed the broad points of a comprehensive effort undertaken by the National Security Council and aimed at protecting the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon and the safety of its democratic movement.