KUDOS TO EMBASSY BEIRUT FOR RESPONSE TO ETHIOPIAN

UNCLAS STATE 011174 SIPDIS FROM A/S FELTMAN AND A/S CARSON TO AMBASSADOR SISON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT APER LE SUBJECT: KUDOS TO EMBASSY BEIRUT FOR RESPONSE TO ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES FLIGHT 409 CRASH FROM A/S FELTMAN AND A/S CARSON TO AMBASSADOR SISON Michele, We want to thank you and your team at Embassy Beirut for the swift response to the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 409. Thanks to your efforts, the U.S. Government quickly identified how to best support Lebanon's rescue and recovery efforts. Embassy Beirut's around the clock assistance and close collaboration with Lebanese, Ethiopian and U.S. government counterparts stands as an important symbol of the partnerships we seek to build through diplomacy and outreach. Moreover, our bilateral relations with Ethiopia and Lebanon, two key allies, are stronger today because of your efforts. We particularly would like to commend the entire Defense Attach Office, Office of Defense Cooperation, Assistant RSO Karen Brown and Consular officers Erica Hosking and Mollie Jackson for their tireless work to provide Washington with the latest information, to respond to Lebanon's request for assistance, and to coordinate our assistance efforts. You and the Embassy Beirut team have done an outstanding job at a critical time. Thanks again to the entire mission for the high standard you set for the Department. Best, Jeff and Johnnie CLINTON