Contact: Barbara Riley
Monday, September 25, 2006

WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senator John Sununu (R-NH), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding President Bush’s meeting with a Presidential delegation of American business leaders who have joined forces to help rebuild Lebanon following the recent conflict with Israel.

President Bush met with Cisco President and CEO John Chambers, who launched the initiative and other business representatives at the White House on Monday morning (9/25). Chambers is joined in this effort by Dr. Craig Barrett, chairman, Intel Corporation; Yousif Ghafari, chairman, GHAFARI, Inc.; and Dr. Ray Irani, Chairman, CEO, and President of Occidental Petroleum Corporation. Assistant Secretary of State Dina Powell led the delegation’s most recent visit to Lebanon on September 21-24.

Senator Sununu stated, “As international forces work to re-establish security within Lebanon, it’s essential that the United States provide assistance to the Lebanese government for the recovery and economic development that is critical to long-term stability.

“This delegation has laid the groundwork for both private sector initiatives as well as complementary investments by NGO’s and the United States government. Of highest priority is a renewed commitment to academics – the American University of Beirut, the Lebanese American University, and the technical education that is essential to a modern Lebanon.”

Assistant Secretary Powell stated, “President Bush sent a clear message today that the United States supports the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Siniora. I am proud of these distinguished business leaders for taking a leadership role to show that the American people stand with the people of Lebanon.”

Chambers stated, “At Cisco, we believe we have the responsibility to give back to others who are less fortunate or are facing difficult challenges – regardless of race, religion, gender, ethnicity or political persuasion. It’s not about right or wrong; it’s about doing what is needed and making a difference. Cisco’s philanthropy has spanned many areas - from establishing networking academies around the world to providing support in the wake of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the Southeast Asia tsunami. The situation in Lebanon is of great concern to us, and it is our goal to support the reconstruction effort in Lebanon and in turn help provide greater access to education and economic opportunity. By focusing on long-term solutions, we hope to contribute to a better future for this region."

For Further information please visit: www.LebanonPartnership.org