Thursday 22 October 2009

Michele Sisson… An "Original" First-Class Ambassador!


Michele Sisson… An "Original" First-Class Ambassador!
Hussein Assi

21/10/2009 Michele Sisson is neither an "ordinary" nor a "traditional" ambassador in Lebanon!
Sisson, the United States ambassador in Beirut, is an "original" ambassador in Lebanon per excellence…

Sisson is not an "ordinary" ambassador in Beirut. Indeed, she's the "star" of the ambassadors in a country in which all internal issues turned to be international, in a country in which the American ambassador turned to be the "actual ruler and governor."

According to the observers, in the country of "miracles" and "wonders," the "star" of ambassadors might be "honored" for several reasons: excessive activity and dynamism, unprecedented surge to meddle in the country's affairs.

Yes, the most famous ambassador in Lebanon deserves to be honored for her multiple "achievements" and "talents."

Very active and dynamic, Sisson is distinguished by her daily visits, whether at the political or social levels. Sisson doesn't let a social event go without witnessing her "precious" presence and, sometimes, her valuable "sponsorship."

Even more, some Lebanese politicians had the chance to join the club of Sisson's "fans." Those politicians seem to be "lucky" for receiving Sisson more than once in a month, or even once in one week.

During the cabinet crisis, Sisson appeared to be one of the most "influential" figures. At the beginning, she made all possible efforts to prevent the formation of the cabinet under the 15-10-5 formula or at least to prevent the participation of Hezbollah in the cabinet. To achieve this goal, she made visits to top officials but couldn't do anything.

Following PM-designate Saad Hariri's re-appointment, Sisson changed her "strategy." This time, she decided to visit those who "dream" of a cabinet seat and urge them to obstruct the cabinet formation process until they receive a seat within the cabinet.

Sisson's own words are finally enough to have an idea about the "mission" the "star of ambassadors" perceived she is doing in Lebanon.

"The United States believe that the cabinet formation process must be completed as soon as possible according to the Lebanese Constitution and in harmony with the results of the parliamentary elections that took place in June," Sisson simply said a few days ago after meeting the Prime Minister-Designate, just like other MPs who met him in the framework of consultations.

Sisson used the verb "must" when talking about the necessity to form the government as soon as possible. She didn't use the verb "wish" or even "hope", she preferred to have an "obligation" tone, sending message to her "friends" in Lebanon reminding them of their "duties" towards her. She went even beyond that when she decided to determine the shape of the government that her country wants: "a government that respects the results of the parliamentary elections," a slogan that was immediately adopted by pro-loyalty figures.

It is interesting at the end to recall of the ambassador's "mission" in the diplomatic dictionary. Indeed, ambassadors are usually accredited to a foreign sovereign or government, or to an international organization, to serve as the official representative of their country as well as to build diplomatic, economic and cultural relations with the country.

According to this presentation, there is no possibility to contradict the "originality" of Michele Sisson who's no doubt an ambassador of a different kind. Indeed she is one of a kind.

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