On October 25, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Levant Joel Rayburn concluded his visit to Lebanon where he met with Lebanese government officials, in addition to UN officials and business leaders. In his meetings, Deputy Assistant Secretary Rayburn reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to a secure, stable, and prosperous Lebanon.
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 26 October, 2018 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, Press Releases, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: U.S.-Lebanon Relations
Today, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act (HIFPAA) of 2018, which imposes additional hard-hitting sanctions on Hizballah, a radical Islamist terrorist organization and close partner and proxy of the Iranian regime. Hizballah has kidnapped, tortured, and murdered American citizens, including in its brutal attack in 1983 on ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 25 October, 2018 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, Political Affairs, President of the United States, U.S. & Lebanon
On October 16, 2018, the DTRA Director, Vayl Oxford, met with the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Joseph Aoun, to discuss both border and maritime security. In partnership with the both Lebanese Army and the United Kingdom, the United States is proud to outfit and train Lebanese border units with state-of-art surveillance capabilities ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 18 October, 2018 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, Press Releases, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: Military Assistance, Security, US-Lebanese Relations
At Secretary Michael R. Pompeo’s invitation, he and UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura met privately today in Washington. They discussed UN progress on forming a constitutional committee. Secretary Pompeo and Special Envoy de Mistura agreed that all parties needed to move ahead on the political track and that any discussion of reconstruction ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 16 August, 2018 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, U.S. Secretary of State
| Tags: Michael R. Pompeo
Office of the Spokesperson; Washington, DC The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert: Deputy Secretary Sullivan met today in Washington, D.C., with Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, on the sidelines of the International Religious Freedom Ministerial. They discussed Lebanon’s ongoing government formation process and the U.S. government’s strong concerns over the role of Hizballah ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 26 July, 2018 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: U.S.-Lebanon Relations
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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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 13 June, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, Key Officials, News, Press Releases, Speeches, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: Ambassador Richard, Assistance, Military Assistance, Partnership, U.S.-Lebanon Relations
U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) led a Congressional delegation that concluded a one-day visit to Lebanon on Monday. The delegation’s meetings with Prime Minister Hariri, Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun, and UNIFIL Deputy Head of Mission Imran Riza focused on security cooperation between the United States and Lebanon. The delegation also visited the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 29 May, 2018 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, Press Releases, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: Assistance, Development, U.S.-Lebanon Relations, USAID
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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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 22 May, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Key Officials, Press Releases, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: Ambassador Richard, Security Assistance, US-Lebanese Relations
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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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 22 May, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Key Officials, Press Releases, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: Community Policing
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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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 21 April, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Key Officials, News, Press Releases, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: Ambassador Richard, Assistance, Military Assistance, U.S.-Lebanon Relations
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 7, 2018 Statement by President Donald J. Trump on Lebanon I send my greetings to those who participated in the April 6 “CEDRE” Investment Conference on Lebanon and the Lebanese people. Lebanon is a country facing countless challenges, including an unprecedented influx of ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 8 April, 2018 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, President of the United States, Press Releases, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: Donald J. Trump, US-Lebanese Relations
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 29 March, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Key Officials, News, Press Releases, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: Ambassador Richard, Assistance, Military Assistance, Security, US-Lebanese Relations
Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC March 15, 2018 The United States today renewed its support for two of Lebanon’s vital national institutions, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Internal Security Forces (ISF), in Rome at the conference in support of Lebanese state security services. U.S. delegate and Senior Bureau Official for ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 16 March, 2018 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: Military Assistance, Security Assistance, US-Lebanese Relations
On March 1 and 2, 2018, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Counselor Thomas H. Staal visited Lebanon. Formerly a Mission Director at USAID/Lebanon and now senior USAID official, Staal visited projects in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, where he met beneficiaries and saw first-hand the impact of $345 million of assistance provided by USAID/Lebanon since 2015. Staal and Acting ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 3 March, 2018 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, Press Releases, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: Development, Education, Universities, USAID
Grand Serail Beirut, Lebanon February 15, 2018 PRIME MINISTER HARIRI: I’ll speak in English, so — SECRETARY TILLERSON: Okay. PRIME MINISTER HARIRI: I welcome Secretary Tillerson to Lebanon and thank him for the excellent discussion we had earlier. His visit is a clear testimony of the United States commitment to Lebanon’s political and economic ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 16 February, 2018 | Topics:
Former U.S. Government Leaders, Key Officials, News, Press Releases, Speeches, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: Rex Tillerson
On January 24, 2018, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Edward White attended the closing ceremony of “Empowering Lebanese Entrepreneurs” (ELE), an initiative that trained and mentored a total of 50 Lebanese entrepreneurs. The “Empowering Lebanese Entrepreneurs” project was funded by the U.S. Embassy Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Office’s Local Grant Program, and was ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 25 January, 2018 | Topics:
Deputy Chief of Mission, Key Officials, News, Press Releases
| Tags: Civil society, Entrepreneurship, MEPI
Vice Admiral John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), visited Lebanon January 11, 2018. As the NAVCENT Commander, Vice Admiral Aquilino is responsible for conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts, and strengthening partner nations’ maritime capabilities in order to promote security and stability in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 11 January, 2018 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, Press Releases
| Tags: Assistance, Military Assistance, Security
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 13 December, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Key Officials, News, Press Releases, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: Military Assistance, Partnership, US-Lebanese Relations
Paris, 8 December 2017 – Joint Statement – A meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon (ISG), chaired by the United Nations and France and attended by the Prime Minister of Lebanon, was held in Paris on 8 December. China, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, the League ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 8 December, 2017 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, Press Releases, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: News
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will participate in the International Support Group (ISG) for Lebanon ministerial on Friday, December 8, 2017 in Paris, France. The Secretary’s participation in the ISG demonstrates the United States’ strong support for the sovereignty, stability, and independence of the Republic of Lebanon and of its political institutions. Secretary Tillerson ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 8 December, 2017 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, Press Releases, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: U.S.-Lebanon Relations
Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs (SAF/IA) Ms. Heidi Grant visited Lebanon from November 7-10. Ms. Grant provides oversight and guidance for international policy and programs supporting national security objectives through political military affairs; security assistance programs; technology and information disclosure; and education and training. Her portfolio includes Foreign Military Sales ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 10 November, 2017 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, Press Releases, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: Ambassador Richard, Assistance, Military Assistance, US-Lebanese Relations
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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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 19 October, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Key Officials, News, Press Releases
| Tags: Ambassador Richard, Military Assistance, US-Lebanese Relations
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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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 30 September, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Key Officials, Press Releases
| Tags: Ambassador Richard, Military Assistance, Security Assistance, US-Lebanese Relations
The White House Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 24, 2017 President Donald J. Trump Announces Enhanced National Security Measures New security measures establish minimum requirements for international cooperation to support U.S. visa and immigration vetting Today, President Donald J. Trump announced the establishment of enhanced national security measures, aimed at ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 24 September, 2017 | Topics:
Key Officials, News
| Tags: Travel to the U.S.
On-The-Record Briefing Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Brett McGurk September 22, 2017 The Palace Hotel New York City, New York MR GREENAN: Hi, everybody. Thank you all for coming today. As you know, the Secretary led a ministerial meeting this morning on the Global – for the Global Coalition to ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 22 September, 2017 | Topics:
Key Officials, News
| Tags: Regional News
Thank you. Good Morning. I am delighted to be here. I am also representing one of the donors to the Lebanese Mine Action Center. General Nasr, it is my pleasure to be here with you and your staff, and to have the opportunity to hear about the vital work that the Lebanon Mine Action Center ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 19 September, 2017 | Topics:
Deputy Chief of Mission, Key Officials, News, Press Releases, Speeches
| Tags: Deputy Chief of Mission, Security Assistance, US-Lebanese Relations
Special Briefing Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson The Palace Hotel New York City September 18, 2017 MS NAUERT: Hi, everyone. QUESTION: Hi. How are you? MS NAUERT: Oh my Gosh, such a steamy room here. (Laughter.) Let me just come on up with you and introduce you to our guest here. Come on up, Ambassador. We just finished up ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 19 September, 2017 | Topics:
Key Officials, News
| Tags: Policy, Region, Syria
On September 7, Major General George Smith, the CENTCOM Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy, met with General Joseph Aoun, the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces. Major General Smith offered his compliments to the LAF’s recent military success. General Smith also expressed his condolences to General Aoun for the fallen Lebanese Armed Forces ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 9 September, 2017 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, Press Releases
| Tags: Military Assistance, Security, US-Lebanese Relations
Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered remarks following the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2373 renewing the mandate for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). “The status quo for UNIFIL was not acceptable, and we did not accept it…This resolution demands that UNIFIL step up its efforts at ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 30 August, 2017 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, Press Releases
| Tags: News
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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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 4 August, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, Key Officials, News
| Tags: Judiciary, Security Assistance
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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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 7 June, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Key Officials, News, Press Releases, Speeches
| Tags: Ambassador Richard, Military Assistance, Security, US-Lebanese Relations
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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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 6 June, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Key Officials, News, Press Releases
| Tags: Ambassador Richard, Military Assistance, Security, US-Lebanese Relations
A delegation headed by Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) concluded a one-day visit to Lebanon today. During the visit, the delegation met with Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun to discuss the close relationship and security cooperation between the United States and Lebanon. The delegation also visited the Bekaa Valley, ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 22 April, 2017 | Topics:
Key Officials, Press Releases
| Tags: Military Assistance, US-Lebanese Relations
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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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 20 April, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Key Officials, News, Press Releases
| Tags: US-Lebanese Relations
Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee (HAC), led a Congressional delegation visit to Lebanon on April 13-15. Representative Frelinghuysen was joined by fellow HAC member, Representative Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD). During the visit, the delegation met with Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Minister of Defense Yaacoub Sarraf, Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 18 April, 2017 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, Press Releases
| Tags: Education, Military Assistance, Universities, US-Lebanese Relations
Representative Harold Rogers (R-KY) led a delegation of six Congressmen including Representatives David Price (D-NC), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), David Joyce (R-OH), and Evan Jenkins (R-WV) to visit Lebanon on April 12. The delegation met with Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Joseph Awn during their visit and discussed the ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 12 April, 2017 | Topics:
Key Officials, Press Releases, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: Military Assistance, US-Lebanese Relations
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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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 11 April, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, Key Officials, News, Press Releases, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: Ambassador Richard, Assistance, Security
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release April 6, 2017 Mar-a-Lago, Florida 9:40 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: My fellow Americans: On Tuesday, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad launched a horrible chemical weapons attack on innocent civilians. Using a deadly nerve agent, Assad choked out the lives of helpless men, women, and children. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 7 April, 2017 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, President of the United States
| Tags: Donald J. Trump
Reports of new countries being added to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are false. No new countries have been added, and Lebanon is not currently part of the Visa Waiver Program. The U.S. embassy warns against opening any emails, opening links or emails, or responding to any email or announcement purporting to have information ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 17 February, 2017 | Topics:
Government Offices, Key Officials, News, Non Immigrant Visas, Press Releases, Visas
| Tags: US-Lebanese Relations, Visas
Acting Assistant Secretary for Political Military Affairs Tina Kaidanow concluded a one-day visit to Lebanon on January 25. Her visit came as the United States continued its support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, including the delivery on Monday of an additional $3.2 million in equipment for ground troops. Ambassador Kaidanow met with a range of ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 26 January, 2017 | Topics:
Key Officials, News, Press Releases
| Tags: Military Assistance, US-Lebanese Relations
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 ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 15 December, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, Key Officials, Press Releases
| Tags: Ambassador Richard, Assistance, Economy, Refugee, US-Lebanese Relations
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Anne W. Patterson continued her visit to Lebanon today. While in Lebanon, she has met with President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Caretaker Prime Minister Tammam Salam, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gebran Bassil, and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Jean Kahwagi. ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 14 December, 2016 | Topics:
Government Offices, Key Officials, Press Releases
| Tags: US-Lebanese Relations
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Anne W. Patterson arrived in Lebanon today. She will meet with a range of Lebanese officials to discuss security, humanitarian, political, and economic issues and underscore U.S. support for the Lebanese people and institutions.
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 13 December, 2016 | Topics:
Key Officials, Press Releases, U.S. & Lebanon
| Tags: US-Lebanese Relations
Major General Darsie Rogers, Commander for Special Operations Command Central Command is visiting Lebanon September 21-23 to observe U.S. forces partnering with Lebanese Armed Forces and to meet with Lebanese military leaders. MG Rogers’ visit highlights the ongoing professional relationship between U.S. forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces and especially the strong degree of training ...
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By U.S. Embassy Beirut | 21 September, 2016 | Topics:
Events, Key Officials, News, Press Releases
| Tags: Military Assistance, Security
