On behalf of the United States Department of State, I would like to wish all Muslims a blessed Eid al-Fitr. This holiday marks the end of Ramadan and is a time for celebration across Muslim communities worldwide. It is a culmination of a month of fasting, sharing meals with family and friends, donating to charitable …
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Acting Assistant Secretary of State (AA/S) for Near Eastern Affairs, David Satterfield, visited Lebanon on May 14 -16 where he met President Michel Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, and other officials. AA/S Satterfield also visited the Maronite Patriarchy at Bkerki where he expressed, in the name of Secretary …
Read More» Press Statement Morgan Ortagus, Department Spokesperson May 15, 2019 On behalf of Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and the American people, we were saddened by the news of the passing of His Beatitude Cardinal Patriarch Emeritus Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir. He was a courageous leader against tyranny and oppression and a champion for the idea …
Read More» “The Iranian regime is the leading state sponsor of terror. It exports dangerous missiles, fuels conflicts across the Middle East, and supports terrorist proxies. President Donald J. Trump INCREASING MAXIMUM PRESSURE: President Donald J. Trump is holding the Iranian regime accountable by targeting the primary entity that carries out its global campaign of terror. The Administration is designating the Islamic …
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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 …
Read More» March 23, 2019 U.S. Embassy Beirut, Lebanon QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, thanks for sitting down with us. SECRETARY POMPEO: It’s great to be with you. QUESTION: I will start with Lebanon, your last stop on this trip. Yesterday you made a strong statement and you said that Lebanon and the Lebanese people have a choice: move …
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FOREIGN MINISTER BASSIL: Welcome, Mr. Secretary. Welcome in Lebanon, friend of Lebanon. (Via interpreter) I was honored to welcome the U.S. Secretary of State Mr. Mike Pompeo in a visit which is first of its kind to Lebanon. It showcases the importance and the depth of the relationships between the two countries, and it indicates …
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Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC March 22, 2019 The below is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met in Beirut today with Lebanese Forces Party Leader Samir Geagea. They discussed a number of issues, including the Lebanese government’s continued work to strengthen security and stability in the …
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Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC March 22, 2019 The below is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met in Beirut today with Walid Jumblatt, leader of Lebanon’s Druze community. They discussed a number of issues including the positive steps the recently formed government of Lebanon should take …
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Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC March 22, 2019 The below is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Lebanese President Michel Aoun in Beirut. The Secretary discussed a number of pressing bilateral and regional issues, notably the U.S. government’s strong concerns over the role of …
Read More» Remarks Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Lebanese Presidential Palace Baabda, Lebanon March 22, 2019 PRESIDENT AOUN: (Via interpreter) It gives me great pleasure to welcome Your Excellency here in Baabda. I hope we will have a very fruitful meeting with good dividends, and we are willing to talk about everything you wish to raise. I’m …
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Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC March 22, 2019 The below is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met in Beirut today with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri. They discussed the importance of the U.S.-Lebanese security partnership and the need for continued support for Lebanon’s legitimate state security …
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Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC March 22, 2019 The below is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met in Beirut today with Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri. They discussed a number of issues related to the Lebanese economy and implementation of critical reforms, as well …
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Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC March 22, 2019 The below is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met in Beirut today with Lebanese Minister of the Interior Raya Al Hassan. The Secretary and Minister Al Hassan discussed the regional and internal security challenges facing Lebanon and how …
Read More» Statement by Robert Palladino, Deputy Spokesperson Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo will travel to Beirut, Jerusalem, and Kuwait City March 19-23. In Beirut, the Secretary will meet with Lebanese leaders to discuss the political, security, economic, and humanitarian challenges facing Lebanon. The Secretary’s visit will underscore U.S. support for the Lebanese people and Lebanon’s …
Read More» Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC February 14, 2019 On February 13-14, 2019, Foreign Ministers and representatives of 62 states met in Warsaw, Poland, at a conference organized jointly by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland and Secretary of State of the United States, to work toward a more secure and stable …
Read More» Remarks Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz Warsaw, Poland February 14, 2019 FOREIGN MINISTER CZAPUTOWICZ: Prime ministers, ministers, ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to welcome you at the Ministerial to Promote a Future of Peace and Security in the Middle East. The right time has come now to give a …
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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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Secretary Pompeo asked me to come to Lebanon to discuss America’s regional strategy and the value of our relations with the Lebanese state and the Lebanese people, and our determination to create the conditions needed to ensure Lebanon is able to meet its international obligations. As Secretary Pompeo said in his Cairo speech, we will …
Read More» Seventy years ago, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Emerging from a world war that shocked humanity with its cruelty, the sovereign nations of the world united to specify those rights that are inherent to all persons, and committed to their promotion and protection henceforth. The Declaration’s fundamental principles remain …
Read More» Special Briefing Brian Hook Senior Policy Advisor to the Secretary of State and Special Representative for Iran Joint Base Anacostia – Bolling Washington, DC November 29, 2018 MODERATOR: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for waiting. Your excellencies, members of the diplomatic corps, and members of the press, we’re very pleased to welcome Special Representative Hook, …
Read More» 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.
Read More» 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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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 …
Read More» 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 …
Read More» 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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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 …
Read More» 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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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 …
Read More» 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 …
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» 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 …
Read More» 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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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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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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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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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» 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 …
Read More» 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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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 …
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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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 …
Read More» 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 …
Read More» 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 …
Read More» 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 …
Read More» 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 …
Read More» 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 …
Read More» 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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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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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 …
Read More» 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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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 …
Read More» 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 …
Read More» 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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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 …
Read More» 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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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 …
Read More» 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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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. 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. …
Read More» 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.
Read More» 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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