Bipartisan Delegation to Lebanon Emphasizes U.S. Support for Stability and Disarmament

A bipartisan delegation led by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) recently visited Lebanon, where they met with key leaders, including President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri. The delegation, which also included Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC), highlighted the importance of a secure, stable, and thriving Lebanon, with a focus on the full disarmament of Hezbollah. Ranking Member Shaheen emphasized that the United States stands with the people of Lebanon and will continue to press for support through legislation and the appropriations process.

Key Takeaways:

• The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, emphasized the importance of a secure, stable, and thriving Lebanon in the region.
• The full disarmament of Hezbollah is crucial to managing the reality of a secure Lebanon and achieving long-term prosperity.
• The United States will continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces and advance financial reforms to put Lebanon's economy on solid ground.
• Ranking Member Shaheen met with military leaders, including General Rodolphe Haykal and Brigadier General Nicolas Thabet, to discuss the security situation in Lebanon and progress toward disarming Hezbollah.
• The delegation also met with Druze leader Walid Jumblatt and engaged with Members of the Lebanese Parliament on economic reforms and support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.
• Senator Shaheen emphasized the importance of scholarship assistance to Lebanon's American universities, highlighting their role in mutual national security and economic prosperity.

Statistics:

• The U.S. delegation was led by two Senators and one Representative.
• The delegation met with three key Lebanese leaders: President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri.
• The U.S. Department of State is to continue supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces and advancing financial reforms.

Sources:

• U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
• Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)