Dr. Condoleezza Rice

The White House

Washington, D.C.

Dear Dr. Rice,

            On behalf of the officers and members of the National Alliance of Lebanese Americans (NALA) I wish to extend to you our sincerest congratulations on your appointment by President Bush to the office of Secretary of State.  We have several officers from Birmingham Alabama who are very proud to have a fellow native of Alabama who will break a significant barrier in your becoming the first African-American female to hold this most senior cabinet post in the Executive Branch. 

            We are greatly encouraged that policies developed during your tenure as the National Security Advisor regarding the future of the Middle East, particularly the Greater Middle Eastern Initiative, will now be elevated to a new level with your elevation to a cabinet level position.  

            Our organization has enjoyed good relations with your staff at the NSC and has been allowed significant input into initiatives of the United States Government especially as they touch on U.S. - Lebanese relations.  Administrative initiatives taken, consistent with the GMEI, to promote the re-emergence of self government in Lebanon and the emergence of Lebanon out from under Syrian hegemony have been unprecedented.  The Bush Administration was very supportive of our efforts to pass United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 in response to advance word of Syrian intentions to sabotage and derail scheduled Lebanese Presidential elections this month.  Though the effort has not yet born fruit, the Administration’s willingness to follow up on passage of UNSECR 1559 and the actions taken give us all great hope that this wrong will be righted. 

            In April, Lebanon will conduct Parliamentary elections to elect a new Parliament.  We hope to work closely with your team at State to insure a free and fair election with international monitors to insure that all Lebanese, and only Lebanese participate in the election of their Parliament. 

            Again congratulations on your appointment and we wish you Godspeed on your Senate confirmation. 

Very truly yours,

Toufic Baaklin

Government Affairs Officer