U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea announced the launch of a $20 million Solar & Renewable Energy Fund at an event in the presence of Minister of Industry George Bouchikian, Minister of Energy and Water Dr Walid Fayad, Minister of Environment Dr Nasser Yassin, USAID Lebanon Acting Mission Director Nicholas Vivio, investors, and local enterprises. …
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Marhaba wa meseh al-kheer. Good evening your Excellencies Minister of Energy Fayyad, Minister of Environment Yassin, and Minister of Industry Bouchikian; Berytech Chairman and CEO, Maroun Chammas; General Manager of IM Capital, Dr. Nicolas Rouhana; TIF Chief of Party, Mark Rostal; and all of you distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen. It is my great pleasure, …
Read More» Messa’ al-kheir to Lokman’s family, friends, colleagues, and other supporters. This afternoon we gather once again to remember our departed friend and loved one, Lokman Slim. It is a sad occasion to mark the two-year anniversary of his assassination, but Lokman was not a sad person. He was full of hope for a better Lebanon for …
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U.S. Embassy Beirut and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced the rollout of the “LAF-ISF Livelihood Support Program,” which will provide $72 million in temporary financial support for Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Internal Security Forces (ISF) personnel. These payments will provide every soldier and police officer eligible to receive assistance under U.S. law …
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January 25, 2023 صباح الخير وأهلا وسهلا، First, let me congratulate everyone involved in the successful signing, coordination, and soon implementation of the LAF-ISF Livelihood Support Program. And I’d like to offer special thanks to UNDP for your coordination and partnership, and as our host today. I would also like to thank my colleagues on …
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On December 28, 2022, Ambassador Shea accompanied caretaker Minister of Public Health Abiad on a visit to Halba Governmental Hospital and a well in Bebnine, in Akkar Governorate. The Ambassador announced a $1.3 million donation to the UNICEF flash appeal to respond to the cholera outbreak in Lebanon. Ambassador Shea’s Remarks as Presented: صباح الخير, …
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The Lebanese American University (LAU) organized and hosted a cultural exchange sports event titled “USA-Lebanon Sports and Diplomacy,” in collaboration with U.S. Embassy Beirut. Ambassador Dorothy Shea; LAU Chief Academic Officer Dr. George Nasr; President of the Basketball Association Akram Halabi; and other members from LAU, U.S. Embassy Beirut, and the National Basketball Federation attended …
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Remarks as Presented October 11, 2022 مرحبا من السفارة الأميركية ببيروت As President Biden announced in a statement just a short time ago, I am pleased to address you tonight following a historic breakthrough regarding demarcation of the maritime border between Lebanon and Israel. After months of mediation by the United States, led by Special …
Read More» Media Notice on July 2, 2022 Ambassador Dorothy Shea’s Remarks on the 246th Anniversary of U.S. Independence Delivered on June 30, 2022 On the 246th Anniversary of U.S. Independence, Ambassador Dorothy Shea delivered the following remarks: “Good evening, everyone. Masaa el Kheir. It is such a pleasure to welcome you. Representing the President of the …
Read More» Remarks by Ambassador Dorothy Shea As delivered on April 18, 2022 Today is a solemn anniversary for us, as we remember the terrible attack that took 52 lives on April 18th, 1983. And in September of the following year – just over there – we lost 23 more lives. These attacks were not against the United States …
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U.S. Ambassador Dorothy C. Shea participated in the inauguration of the Hinterland Archaeological Heritage Project in Jabal Moussa, funded by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. The project builds on work from 2019, which focused on conserving, studying, and showcasing the archaeological heritage of Jabal Moussa while connecting archaeological sites of the biosphere reserve …
Read More» Good morning, and thank you, Your Excellency, Mr. Minister, for the really positive discussion that we had this morning. I am encouraged when I hear about the continued progress on these regional energy deals. It is a long and complicated process, and I would urge the audiences out there to not believe the naysayers who …
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Today, March 8, International Women’s Day we celebrate women in Lebanon who are leading the fight against environmental degradation and climate change, working to build a more sustainable future for the country, and the global community. Women, men, and children living in Lebanon have long endured challenging environmental conditions. As per Yale’s Environmental Performance Index …
Read More» Let me begin by renewing my sincere condolences to the family of Lokman Slim as well as to all of those gathered here and beyond, who loved him, who worked with him. All of us here were affected by his work. Lokman stood for the rule of law. He was a champion of free speech, …
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Today, U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea attended the handover ceremony of a Seagrave Triple Fire Engine from the City of Los Angeles to Lebanon’s General Directorate of Civil Defense. The 55,000-pound vehicle will be based at the Mar Mikhail Civil Defense Fire Station and will provide emergency-response capabilities for a community of over 200,000 residents. The …
Read More» I just met with His Excellency, the Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, and I was able to convey to him an official written communication from the U.S. Department of the Treasury that answered some of the concerns that the authorities had. They wanted to make sure that in pursuing the regional energy deals, that the United …
Read More» Today, through the COVAX program, the United States delivered a donation of 336,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine to Lebanon to support the continued fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As a single dose vaccine, this J&J donation can fully inoculate 336,000 Lebanese against COVID-19. The J&J donation is the first of …
Read More» As prepared Good afternoon. Thank you all for coming. I really wanted to take the opportunity today to recognize, and celebrate, you, your work, and your achievements, on International Anticorruption Day. I’ll have more to say about that in a moment. First, I want to emphasize how central the fight against corruption is to the …
Read More» Today, Ambassador Dorothy Shea hosted civil society and international non-governmental representatives engaged in combating corruption. At the event, Ambassador Shea presented the Department of State’s Anticorruption Champions Award on behalf of Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Mr. Riad Kobeissi, head of the investigative reporting unit at Al Jadeed TV. Mr. Kobeissi was one of …
Read More» December 4, 2021 Media Notice For Immediate Release The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon inaugurated the Digital Mothers training program in Tripoli at the Al Nahda Mixed School on December 4, 2021. The program, which will train 68 mothers of school children on technology and English, was officially launched by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Dorothy Shea. …
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Marhaba wa masaa al-kheir lil jamii, I won’t try to get my whole remarks bil Arabi, even though I love the Arabic language, and it really is a window to your rich culture and society. But I have a feeling you all speak much better English than I do Arabic. So let me just thank …
Read More» October 28, 2021 Media Notice For Immediate Release On October 19, 2021, Ambassador Dorothy Shea oversaw a donation of medications to the Hôpital Psychiatrique de la Croix. This delivery was part of a $1 million shipment of much-needed psychotropic medications from the United States for Hospital de la Croix and the American University of Beirut Psychiatric …
Read More» Note: Please find a video of the remarks on https://youtu.be/sXHDHv2YHG8 . End Note On October 22, Ambassador Dorothy C. Shea attended the inauguration of the Pop-Up Spaces program in Saida. This one year-long program, which is implemented by Tatweer Baladna, will empower youth and young professionals in South Lebanon, North Lebanon, and the Bekaa through civic …
Read More» Media Notice For Immediate Release As Delivered Sabahul kheir. Good morning. First, I’d like to offer our sincere condolences over the loss of life and grievous injuries suffered in yesterday’s explosion in Akkar. Earlier today, I met with Prime Minister-Designate Mikati, and we discussed the status of Lebanese efforts to form a government quickly. And …
Read More» On July 16, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea met with World Food Programme Deputy Country Director Nicolas Oberlin and others to learn more about the World Food Programme’s ongoing efforts to address the deteriorating food security situation in Lebanon. World Food Programme experts provided a detailed overview to Ambassador Shea of their food distribution …
Read More» The U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea will travel alongside the French Ambassador to Lebanon Anne Grillo to Saudi Arabia for meetings with Saudi Arabian officials on July 8, 2021. This visit follows U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s trilateral meeting on Lebanon with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud on June 29 in …
Read More» Media Notice For Immediate Release The Embassy of the United States of America celebrated the 245th Anniversary of Independence with a reception yesterday held in honor of students in the 2020-21 cohort of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study program (YES). Following is the text of U.S. Ambassador Dorothy C. Shea’s remarks. Begin Text: …
Read More» On Thursday, March 25, Ambassador Dorothy Shea met with President Michel Aoun at Baabda Palace, and with Prime Minister-Designate Saad Hariri at Center House. The following remarks were delivered from Baabda Palace. ## As delivered Begin Text Sabah el-kheir. I would like to begin by thanking his Excellency President Aoun for receiving me here this …
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On February 12-13, 2021, Rear Admiral Frank M. Bradley, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command Central, visited Lebanon to conduct meetings with his Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) counterparts, and reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting the LAF’s professionalism and advancement. During the visit, Rear Admiral Bradley met with Chief of Defense Joseph Aoun, as …
Read More» As delivered Begin Text: Monika and other family members of the late Lokman Slim, and friends of loved ones of Lokman: I expressed my condolences publicly last week. Today, I am honored to be with you — his family and his loved ones — to convey in person my deepest sympathy. You were robbed. We all were robbed of a …
Read More» Remarks as Delivered I want to begin by conveying my sincere condolences to the family of Lokman Slim, and all of those who are impacted by the tragic news of his death, a barbaric assassination. Lokman Slim publicly and privately acknowledged that there were threats being made against his life, and yet he bravely continued to push for justice, …
Read More» U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea: Having witnessed the horrific explosions at the Port this evening, our heartfelt sympathies go out to the victims and their families. We mourn each loss from this terrible tragedy alongside the Lebanese people.
Read More» This year, the U.S. Embassy is commemorating our Independence Day in unprecedented fashion. The world has been collectively battling the coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic, and we have all had to adjust to the “new normal” of maintaining physical distance and avoiding situations that could be conducive to the spread of the virus. So, I am …
Read More» As Delivered Foreign Minister Hitti and I just had a positive meeting in which we reinforced the importance of the bilateral relationship to each country. Among the issues we discussed was the recent court ruling. We turned the page on this unfortunate distraction so we can all focus on the real crisis at hand, which …
Read More» The United States Embassy is pleased to announce $13,300,000 in new assistance to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Lebanon. These funds include $5,300,000 in United States Agency for International Development’s International Disaster Assistance for response activities focusing on the most vulnerable Lebanese, including by supporting private health facilities to properly triage, manage, and refer …
Read More» American University of Beirut, Beirut Wednesday, April 22, 2020 AS PREPARED I am speaking to you today from AUB, one of our key, longstanding partners, and I offer my special thanks to Dr. Fadlo Khouri for his tireless work for the Lebanese people, including during the Coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. government is committed to supporting …
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Good morning. Sabah al-kheir. I want to thank Prime Minister Diab—as well as President Aoun, Speaker Berri, and Foreign Minister Hitti—for their very warm welcome. I am honored to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon and to work alongside the Lebanese people, who are famous not only for their hospitality, but also for their …
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Good evening everyone. Dear Ministers, Members of Parliament, Military officers, colleagues from the diplomatic community, business leaders, students, and friends – thank you for being with us. And thank you to Captain Benfield for the warm welcome and for hosting us aboard this impressive vessel. We’re also glad to have Vice Admiral Malloy back in …
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On August 21, Ambassador Elizabeth Richard and U.S. military representatives attended a live-fire exercise conducted by the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) at the Akoura military complex. In remarks to the press, Ambassador Richard congratulated the LAF for demonstrating outstanding professionalism and sophistication in safely executing complex maneuvers using advanced-technology weaponry and equipment, calling the live-fire …
Read More» The United States supports fair and transparent judicial review without any political interference. Any attempt to use the tragic June 30 event in Qabr el-Shamoun to advance political objectives should be rejected. The US has conveyed in clear terms to Lebanese authorities our expectation that they will handle this matter in a way that achieves …
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U.S. Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources, Francis Fannon, met Prime Minister Saad Hariri at the Grand Serail on July 31, 2019. In the meeting, Assistant Secretary Fannon learned more about Lebanon’s plans for reforming its electricity sector and developing its energy resources and he conveyed U.S. support for Lebanon’s responsible and transparent development of its …
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U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Elizabeth H. Richard, celebrated the accomplishments of 38 Lebanese municipalities that completed an intensive two-year technical assistance program funded by USAID’s Building Alliances for Local Advancement, Development and Investment – Capacity Building (BALADI CAP). During her remarks, Ambassador Richard congratulated mayors and representatives, noting, “Your work is extremely important and extremely …
Read More» Good morning everybody. It is great to see such a full house and it is really great to see so many friends who I know from before. It is really a pleasure to be with you to mark this very important milestone. And I am recalling, as I saw so many familiar faces this morning, that …
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Today, U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard attended the launch event of the conference on “OECD Cooperation with Lebanon on Good Governance,” organized jointly by the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) and the Public Governance Directorate of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The U.S. Department of State through the …
Read More» Thank you very much Madame Minister, ministers, colleagues, excellences and ladies and gentlemen. It is wonderful to be here today to launch the joint work between the OECD, us, and Lebanon. I think every Lebanese citizen knows how important it is to have a government that serves the interests of its citizens and provides comprehensive …
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Ambassador Elizabeth Richard and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Dr. Anne Patterson announced a new $90 million program to support learning outcomes for vulnerable students. Minister of Education Akram Chehayeb attended the launch of QITABI 2 (Quality Instruction towards Access and Basic Education Improvement) which follows onto USAID’s current QITABI initiative …
Read More» Good morning everyone. Thank you so much for being with us here today, Minister Akram Chehayeb, Director General Fadi Yaraq, and Dr. Nada Oweijane. And a warm thank you to the leadership at Uruguay Public School for having us. It was great to be greeted outside by the Scouts and so lovely to see their …
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Today, Ambassador Elizabeth Richard joined Internal Security Forces (ISF) Director General Imad Osman, and other ISF officials at the groundbreaking ceremony launching the construction of new facilities at the ISF Academy in Aramoun. The construction of a new dormitory and classroom buildings will provide short-term housing for the ISF trainees from outside of Beirut and …
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United States Ambassador Elizabeth Richard joined President Michel Aoun in the Presidential Palace’s garden to plant an oak tree representing the “Millionth Tree” planted in Lebanon as part of USAID’s Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI). The event was attended by ministers, international donors, LAF representatives, and representatives of municipalities, and civil society organizations. In her remarks, …
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Today, the U.S. Department of State’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut launched the U.S.-funded “Corrections Professionalization Program.” This program will continue for three years, and includes developing and implementing a system of inmate classification in addition to continuous training for corrections officers. Following are Ambassador …
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United States Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard travelled to Tripoli to visit American funded projects focused on economic development and education in Northern Lebanon. As part of the $825 million in assistance the United States provided to Lebanon in 2018, we are funding projects in northern Lebanon to provide youth with the education, tools, and …
Read More» Good afternoon everyone and I am just really delighted to be here back at the Serail to greet the Prime Minister and congratulate him on the new government. It has been a long time coming and we are just thrilled that there is finally a government. I congratulated the Prime Minister just now on the …
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On January 21-22, 2019 the Commander of United States Central Command General Joseph Votel met with President Michel Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, and Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun, as well as UNIFIL Force Commander Major General Stefano Del Col, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth H. Richard. In …
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U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard celebrated the successes and achievements of the $46 million agribusiness and rural development project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Held in the presence of 300 officials, partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders, the event showcased the Lebanon Industry Value Chain Development (LIVCD) project’s achievements in the agro food …
Read More» On November 28, Ambassador Richard hosted a gathering at her residence to celebrate the 50th anniversary of AMIDEAST’s work in Lebanon. AMIDEAST is an American non-profit organization engaged in international education, training, and development activities in the Middle East and North Africa. The Department of State, through U.S. Embassy Beirut, has funded AMIDEAST Lebanon’s student …
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On November 24, Ambassador Elizabeth H. Richard attended the Teaching Women English (TWE) Program teachers’ workshop and shared a Thanksgiving meal with this year’s partners and English language teachers. The three-day teachers’ workshop marks the launch of the 2018-2019 TWE program, which will serve over 800 women in 36 communities across Lebanon. Implemented by USPEaK …
Read More» On November 20, U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth H. Richard took part in the opening ceremony of the Beirut Art Film Festival (BAFF). U.S. Embassy Beirut is supporting the screenings of six documentaries, each highlighting different aspects of U.S. culture. Screenings will occur at the Metropolis Cinema Sofil, Achrafieh and in universities, schools, and institutions across Lebanon. …
Read More» Your Excellency Minister Abi Khalil, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for inviting me to this event highlighting how General Electric can transform Lebanon’s power generation and distribution capabilities. After decades of underinvestment, the power sector here needs this kind of focused attention if it is to deliver for the Lebanese people. I believe …
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Arlington Cemetery, November 11, 1941 Ambassador Elizabeth Richard read these excerpts at the Remembrance Day Centennial events held on November 10, 2018 in Beirut Our observance of this Anniversary has a particular significance in the year 1941. For we are able today as we were not always able in the past to measure our indebtedness …
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On October 29, Ambassador Elizabeth Richard visited Deir Ammar Power Station, operated by U.S. firm PrimeSouth in North Lebanon. The U.S. company has invested $75 million dollars to rehabilitate the facility and an additional $45 million in Zahrani Power Station over the past two years. Together, the power stations generate nearly half of Electricité du …
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Ambassador Elizabeth Richard participated in the inauguration of a new apple sorting and packing facility in Beit Mounzer, North Lebanon. The first of its kind in Lebanon, the ‘Cedrine’ facility was completed with the support of the United Stated Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Lebanon Industry Value Chain Development (LIVCD) project, in partnership …
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Good morning and thank you really everyone for being with us today. Mr. Mayor, Members of the Arsal Municipal council, Representatives of Electricite du Liban, and especially our partners at the Rene Moawad Foundation — [MP] Michel [Moawad] it is great to be with you — and our other distinguished guests. I am very pleased …
Read More» Today, U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard commemorated, at the Beirut National Museum, the return to Lebanon of an ancient axe dating to the Middle Bronze Age (2200-2000 B.C.). The “Bronze Axe” will be displayed permanently at the Beirut National Museum. In her remarks, Ambassador Richard highlighted U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) efforts to locate and …
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Today, U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard took part in the inauguration ceremony organized by the Ministry of Culture marking the completion of an Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation project to rehabilitate the Eshmun Temple site. In her remarks, Ambassador Richard highlighted the close collaboration between the U.S. and the Lebanese governments to preserve Lebanon’s cultural heritage. …
Read More» The National Conference to Present the Study on“Women’s Participation in Public Life,” a Project on “Encouraging Marginalized Voices in the Lebanese Political Process” Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand Hotel, Beirut July 26, 2018 Thank you very much and good Morning everyone. Your Excellency, Minister Jean Ogassabian, State Minister for Women’s Affairs, Members of the Parliament and their representatives, …
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Ambassador Elizabeth Richard and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Dr. Anne Patterson today delivered 100 school buses provided by USAID to public schools in 24 districts nationwide in the presence of Minister of Education and Higher Education Marwan Hamade. Starting academic year 2018-2019, this $4.6 million donation will provide access to …
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U.S. Ambassador Richard participated on July 6 in the official handover ceremony for a new $9 million secure digital radio system for the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF). This system includes over 2,700 handheld and vehicle mounted radios, as well as a secure system of base stations and communications relays to provide widespread network coverage. …
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Ambassador Richard Independence Day Remarks July 3, 2018 Thank you very very much everyone for being here. And I really want to specially say thank you to our National anthem singers – that was beautiful – thank you so much. I thank everyone today for joining us to celebrate American Independence Day. In particular, also …
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Ambassador Elizabeth Richard spoke on Tuesday June 12 at the Hamat Air Base on the occasion of the delivery of four A-29 Super Tucano aircrafts to the Lebanese Armed Forces. Good afternoon. General Aoun, Major General Shreim, General Haykal, our brothers and sisters in the LAF and the air force and dear guests. It is …
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Thank you very much, it is nice to see everybody and thank you very much for coming out on a Saturday. I think it is really important that we have the opportunity to spend a few minutes with you as Tomorrow’s Leaders graduates because you are so special to us at the U.S. Embassy, but …
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Class of 2018 graduates, parents, LAU President Jabra, LAU Vice President Dr. Salem, LAU faculty and staff, I am honored to be with you today to mark this joyous occasion. In my opinion, of all the things we do as the U.S. government and the U.S. Embassy here, the Tomorrow’s Leaders program is one of …
Read More» Thank you, Salim (Zenni- President of the American-Lebanese Chamber of Commerce), for that introduction. It is a pleasure to be here today and to support the American-Lebanese Chamber of Commerce. We have enjoyed a strong partnership with the AmCham for over twenty years. Together, we have a fruitful history of advocating for and encouraging increased …
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Minister Mashnouk, Minister Pharaon, Director General Osman, it’s very nice to see you here today, everyone, all our friends and colleagues, especially those who will be working in this very building. It gives me great pleasure to join you this morning for the re-opening of the Ashrafieh Community Police Station. This location represents much more …
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U.S. Ambassador Richard participated on May 22 in the inauguration ceremony for the newly refurbished police station in Ashrafieh. For this project, the U.S. Embassy worked with the ISF to convert the existing location into a new community policing station, focused on direct engagement with the local community. Minister of Interior Nouhad al-Mashnouq, Director General …
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On April 20, 2018, the Commander of United States Central Command General Joseph Votel met with President Michel Aoun, President of the Council of Ministers Saad Hariri, and Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth H. Richard. In his meetings, General Votel reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to …
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Thank you everybody and especially friends and family here with us today. Every year, we do this ceremony. Today is a special occasion as it marks the 35th anniversary of the loss of 52 of our colleagues in a terrorist attack against our embassy. Those 52 American and Lebanese colleagues were our friends, co-workers, and …
Read More» U.S. Army Central (ARCENT) Deputy Commander Major General Terrence J. McKenrick concluded his visit to Lebanon. During his visit, he met with Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Joseph Aoun and other senior LAF officials, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth H. Richard. In his meetings, Major General McKenrick renewed the U.S. government’s commitment …
Read More» Today, U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard took part in the ceremony organized by the Ministry of Culture celebrating the repatriation of five archaeological artifacts to be displayed permanently at the Beirut National Museum In her remarks, Ambassador Richard highlighted the close collaboration between the U.S. and the Lebanese governments to successfully recover the artifacts and return …
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US Ambassador Elizabeth Richard and Commander of the U.S. Central Command, General Joseph Votel, met Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Following are Ambassador Richard and General Votel’s statements following the meeting: Ambassador Richard: “I am very pleased to have General Votel, the Commander of the U.S. Central Command, returning to Beirut, here with us today. We …
Read More» Members of the International Support Group for Lebanon met this morning with President Michel Aoun at the Presidential Palace in Baabda. They discussed the situation in Lebanon following the announcement of the offer of resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri. ISG members expressed their continuing concern regarding the situation and prevailing uncertainty in Lebanon. They …
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Today, Ambassador Elizabeth Richard, accompanied by Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force for International Affairs Ms. Heidi Grant, met with LAF Commander Joseph Aoun to announce the U.S. Government’s reimbursement of $42.9 million for LAF Border Operations. The following are her remarks at the meeting: “Thank you General Aoun and thank you everybody for being …
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Ambassador Elizabeth Richard visited two USAID-funded projects in North Lebanon on October 24 to see first-hand how USAID is helping Lebanese communities create jobs and deliver services for their residents. She visited olive orchards in Bchannine to see how farmers are using mechanical olive harvesters introduced by the USAID-funded Lebanon Industry Value Chain Initiative (LIVCD) …
Read More» Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee (HAC), led a Congressional delegation visit to Lebanon on October 16-19. Representative Frelinghuysen was joined by fellow HAC member, Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX). During the visit, the delegation met with Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun. They discussed the effectiveness of U.S. …
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Your Excellency Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Hasbani; distinguished guests. It is my sincere pleasure to join you today to witness the signing of this groundbreaking initiative between the Ministry of Public Health and the NGO Loubnaniyoun. We are here to launch the “Citizens’ Rights” project. This initiative aims to improve citizens’ access …
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On September 29, 2017, Deputy Commander of United States Central Command Lieutenant General Charles Brown met with President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Minister of Defense Yaacoub el-Sarraf, and Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun to reaffirm the U.S. government’s commitment to the Lebanese-American partnership and support the Lebanese Armed Forces …
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Ambassador Elizabeth H. Richard joined Chief Justice Jean Fahed, General Prosecutor Samir Hammoud, and a visiting delegation from Northeastern University —from Boston, Massachusetts — at the Justice Palace to launch a two-day seminar on justice. The Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is hosting a seminar discussing alternatives to …
Read More» Ambassador Elizabeth H. Richard joined Minister of Interior Nouhad Machnouk and Internal Security Forces (ISF) Major General Imad Osman on August 18 to announce the latest phase of U.S. Government support for Lebanon’s security and stability. The Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is funding a $5 million upgrade …
Read More» US Delivers Bradley Fighting Vehicles to the Lebanese Army Ambassador Elizabeth Richard spoke today at the delivery of Bradley Fighting Vehicles and armored field artillery ammunition supply vehicles to the Lebanese Armed Forces. Following are Ambassador Richard’s remarks as delivered: Good Morning everyone. Good Morning Brigadier General Farah and your team, it is my pleasure …
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Ambassador Elizabeth Richard with Internal Security Forces (ISF) officials and Lebanese justice officials on August 2. The United States values its strong partnership with the ISF and the Lebanese judiciary, and looks forward to continued collaboration on security and the rule of law.
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Ambassador Elizabeth Richard joined more than 300 guests on July 13th to celebrate the important work of USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives’ (OTI) civil society partners in Lebanon over its 10-year program. The OTI program was initiated in 2007 to help Lebanon cope with emerging threats to its stability, and is successfully closing as scheduled …
Read More» Hi everyone, I am so delighted to see all of you here. I just am overwhelmed by the number of people that are here and how far you came. And I’m just very happy to see you and I hope everyone has a great time, tonight. To our Governorate and municipal authorities; Officers from the …
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Four Seasons Hotel, Downtown Your Excellency Minister of Economy and Trade Raed Khoury, Ms. Nadine Habbal, Acting Director Insurance Control Commission, Mr. Jason Sadler, President of Cigna’s International Markets Business, Mr. Howard Gough, CEO of Cigna Middle East and North Africa, And to our many distinguished guests with us today, Thank you for allowing …
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On the occasion of the 241st anniversary of American independence, Ambassador Elizabeth H. Richard hosted a ceremony on June 30, 2017 at the Faqra archaeological site in Kfardebian. The event was attended by Lebanese officials, members of Parliament, and Embassy partners in a variety of fields including civil society, academia, development, the arts, business, and …
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On June 29, 2017, Ambassador Elizabeth Richard joined 56 bright, energetic young Lebanese scholarship winners and their families for an American-style barbeque. The students are all participants in the U.S. government’s Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. Ambassador Richard welcomed back to Lebanon 26 YES students who recently returned from the United States and said …
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Ambassador Elizabeth Richard announced that the U.S. government, through USAID, will support at least 104 new scholarships to two Lebanese Universities for the coming school year. Meeting with Presidents Dr. Fadlo Khuri of the American University of Beirut (AUB) and Dr. Joseph Jabbra of the Lebanese American University, Ambassador Richard underscored continued U.S. Government support …
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Today, Ambassador Elizabeth Richard visited the American University of Beirut (AUB) to celebrate the graduation of 44 University Scholarship Program (USP) students. Through USP, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supports talented Lebanese public school graduates with full four-year undergraduate scholarships that include tuition fees, housing expenses, medical insurance, textbooks, and a monthly …
Read More» Thank you Mr. Minister, and thank you all. I’m so delighted to be here with my friend, his Excellency the Minister of Education. The announcement today is the latest in the USG’s contributions to education in Lebanon. Today it is a contribution of $30 million to UNICEF, for the education of children in Lebanon. The …
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It is wonderful to be back in Lebanon and here up in Arsal. We deeply value the relationship with the Lebanese Armed Forces and the work they are doing to keep Lebanon safe, as we’re seeing here today. I had good visits yesterday and this morning with President (Michel) Aoun, and with Prime Minister (Saad) …
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U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General Joseph L. Votel is visiting Lebanon on June 6 to meet with Lebanese Armed Forces and government leaders to discuss key security issues. General Votel will reaffirm the U.S. government’s commitment to the Lebanese-American partnership to counter the threat of terrorism and support the Lebanese Armed Forces in their capacity …
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Class of 2017 graduates, parents, ACS faculty and staff. ACS head of school Dr. Greg MacGilpin, Jr, Your Excellency Prime Minister Hariri, Distinguished guests. I am honored to be with you today to mark such a joyous occasion. Congratulations to all the Graduates. Today’s ceremony is the culmination of everything you have achieved as ACS …
Read More» Your Excellency, the Prime Minister, Ms. Leila Serhan, General Manager of Microsoft for North Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Pakistan, And to our many talented entrepreneurs with us today, Good morning and thank you for letting me be here today to celebrate your tremendous accomplishments. I was so impressed talking with all of you this morning …
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U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard visited Tripoli on Wednesday, May 3 to discuss the major issues concerning the citizens of Lebanon’s second largest city and to convey a message of strong U.S. support for efforts of these citizens to improve conditions for the residents of Tripoli. In the course of her visit, Ambassador Richard met with …
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On behalf of the United States, Ambassador Elizabeth Richard today presented over 1000 machine guns to the Lebanese Armed Forces as part of the LAF’s ongoing efforts to improve border security. The equipment includes 800 heavy machine guns and another 320 crew-served weapons, adding to battle-tested equipment already in the hands of the LAF. The …
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On April 22nd, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard planted cedar trees with 120 youth volunteers from around Lebanon in Arz Ehmej, Byblos district to celebrate International Earth Day. More than 250 trees (40 % cedar trees) were planted throughout the day. This environmental day was organized by the USAID-funded Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI) under …
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In a demonstration of our enduring friendship and important bilateral partnership, today, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard broke ground on the new U.S. Embassy compound in Beirut, Lebanon. In her remarks at the ceremony, Ambassador Richard said: “Breaking ground today on our New Embassy Compound is a strong message to the Lebanese people that …
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Thank you everyone for being with us here this morning. I really appreciate that. I appreciate especially the attendance of our honored guests who are with us today. We are here today to remember our colleagues who were taken from us 34 years ago in a terrorist attack on the U.S. Embassy. We lost 52 …
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The Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) has provided $650,000 in security screening equipment for the Rafiq Hariri International Airport, U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard announced at a handover ceremony on April 11. The handover ceremony was attended by Minister of Interior Nuhad Al Mashnouq, Director General of the Internal …
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U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard held a reception on March 14, to honor and showcase the positive contributions of Lebanese women in security and the rule of law, and to celebrate the dynamic, diverse, and positive roles that women play in society. The event brought together judges, prosecutors, members of the ISF, and representatives of international …
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U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth H. Richard participated today in a ceremony to celebrate the delivery of approximately $1 million dollars’ worth of equipment to the Internal Security Forces (ISF), highlighting U.S. commitment to Lebanon’s state institutions. Ambassador Richard said the U.S. is proud to deliver this much needed equipment and reiterated America’s partnership with …
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Good morning everyone. I am very happy to be here today for the annual Women on the Front Lines conference, as we honor the achievements of women here in Lebanon, and discuss how we can promote progress on women’s issues. I want to recognize and thank Rania Achkar, Anchor at MTV Alive and our MC …
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U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard traveled today to Marjeyoun District. In Marj El Khoukh, Ambassador Richard inaugurated a water pumping station that serves more than 61,000 individuals living in Marj El Khoukh and surrounding areas, including over 4,200 Syrian refugees. The station is part of a water project funded by the United States. Representatives …
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U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth H. Richard today launched a two-year technical assistance program for 38 Lebanese municipalities and unions of municipalities, in the presence of municipal leaders from all Lebanese regions. During her remarks, Ambassador Richard emphasized that the United States Government has been a strong supporter of municipalities for decades; municipalities are critical …
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Today, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard participated in a ceremony to celebrate the delivery of an armed Cessna aircraft to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), highlighting the U.S. commitment to Lebanon’s security. Ambassador Richard said the U.S. is proud to deliver this Cessna, the third in the LAF air force, and she reaffirmed the …
Read More» U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard today welcomed the formation of a new government in Lebanon. “I want to personally congratulate Prime Minister Hariri and commend him on forming a government,” Ambassador Richard said. “We look forward to working with him and his government. The Lebanese people are facing many challenges, and they now have a government that can get to …
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U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Anne W. Patterson traveled to the Bekaa Valley today. She visited a UNHCR Informal Tented Settlement on the outskirts of Zahle, highlighting U.S. humanitarian assistance to Lebanon and Syrian refugees. While there, she met with Syrian refugees, toured U.S. assistance projects, and received a briefing about …
Read More» U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Ambassador Elizabeth H. Richard recently honored 580 Lebanese high school students for completing 400 hours of English language instruction, as part of the U.S. State Department-funded English Micro-scholarship Program (Access). The Access program, which began in Lebanon in 2004, provides free English language training to 14 to 18 year-olds around the …
Read More» U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard visited the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) on December 2, highlighting the U.S. Government’s commitment to supporting education in Lebanon. Ambassador Richard participated in a ceremony for USEK students who completed a U.S. Embassy-funded training program on social action initiatives. The program—Enhancing Youth Education and Community Cohesion Through Learning English—seeks …
Read More» U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard today celebrated the inauguration of the project to rehabilitate the Souk Marash in Bourj Hammoud, emphasizing U.S. commitment to communities most affected by the Syrian refugee crisis. U.S. funding for the rehabilitation and restoration of Souk Marash will help enhance economic activity and livelihood, boost municipal services, and revive one of …
Read More» U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard met with the head of the ISF Training Academy, Brigadier General Ahmad Hajjar, on November 30. They discussed the long-standing collaboration between the United States and Lebanon’s security services and the U.S. Government’s continued support of the training academy. While visiting the academy in Aramoun, Ambassador Richard viewed the facilities and …
Read More» Welcome everyone. I’m so glad that you could join me tonight as we participate in one of the most important features of American democracy – the Presidential election. Elections are about the future. They are about weighing continuity versus change, and choosing leaders we believe will advocate for policies that will improve our lives. We …
Read More» Good afternoon and welcome to our guests. Thank you for joining us today to remember the sacrifice of so many brave men and women. Thirty three years ago, on October 23, 1983, 241 American marines, sailors, and soldiers died and 128 were wounded when a suicide bomber attacked the U.S. Marine Corps barracks here in …
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U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard participated in the opening ceremony for a new cultural trail at the Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve. The restoration of this historic trail was a collaboration between the U.S. Embassy and the Association for the Protection of Jabal Moussa, which received a $100 thousand grant from the Ambassador’s Fund for …
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Today, US Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard visited the Lebanese American University (LAU) Beirut campus to welcome 73 new students under the University Scholarship Program (USP). Through USP, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supports public school graduates, selected through a merit-based process, with full four-year undergraduate scholarships that include tuition fees, housing …
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U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard visited Tripoli on September 18 to participate in a graduation ceremony for 450 participants of the Teaching Women English (TWE) program. The TWE program provides women in rural areas with the opportunity to learn English and become active citizens in their communities, promoting the values of tolerance, moderation, and economic opportunity. …
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