Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has sent best wishes to the people of Lebanon as the country celebrates its independence day anniversary today, the State Department said. In her message Clinton said, “On behalf of President Barack Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Lebanon as you celebrate the anniversary of your independence this November 22. “The United States strongly values its ties with the people of Lebanon, who have faced and overcome adversity time and again and committed to building a society based on religious diversity, democratic values, and security. As Lebanon contends with regional and internal challenges, we reaffirm our commitment to Lebanon’s independence, sovereignty, and stability,” she said. Secretary Clinton reiterated that preserving a peaceful, prosperous, democratic, and stable Lebanon is essential for the security of the Lebanese people and for the region.