Category: Statement

Washington, DC, October 4, 2022 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of  Americans of Lebanese descent,  endorses and encourages the finalization of a maritime border agreement between Lebanon and Israel. According to reports, this agreement greatly supports the interests of the Lebanese people and represents a long term sustainable solution for both countries. Successful conclusion of these negotiations will have security benefits for the region, increase stability for Lebanon, and prosperity for its people. 

First of all, it is a significant confidence-building measure that would reduce tensions between Lebanon and Israel and would seed the ground for future discussions to address security issues. Secondly, given the world’s concerns with identifying additional sources of energy, an agreement will enable the parties to actively explore and exploit the potential sources in the areas being mediated, thus contributing to economic stability in Lebanon, Europe, and the Mediterranean region. 

As importantly, it is a positive and hopeful sign for the Lebanese people that their current economic crisis may begin to ease with opening the area to active international investment.  

ATFL applauds the work of Amos Hochstein, US Senior Advisor on Energy Security, for his ongoing commitment and efforts to bring the parties closer together. The US government has shown an exceptional commitment to bringing about a successful negotiation. Without such support, it is likely that the disputed maritime fields would not be settled for another generation or more, thus precluding Lebanon from any oil and gas exploration for years to come. 

Edward Gabriel, president of ATFL, stressed that the time for a positive conclusion to the negotiations is now. “Concluding a fair, just and successful deal is incumbent on both parties. With increasing global instability and demands on the US government in other regions of the world, the Lebanese government must understand that this two-years plus process must come to fruition quickly before this opportunity is lost.”

Washington, DC, July 19, 2022 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans working to support and strengthen the US-Lebanon relationship, is pleased with the statement issued after President Joe Biden’s trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in which “[both countries] affirmed their continued support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, and their support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.” 

The US-Saudi Arabia joint communique clearly “noted the importance of forming a Lebanese government and implementing comprehensive structural political and economic reforms to ensure that Lebanon overcomes its political and economic crisis.” It went on to emphasize the need for government control over all Lebanese territory and made reference to relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the Taif Accord so that “there will be no weapons without the consent of the government of Lebanon.”

The President of ATFL, former Ambassador Ed Gabriel, is currently visiting Lebanon where he is reaffirming the need for reforms required by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in order to release funds needed for Lebanon’s recovery from what has been termed one of the worst economic disasters since the mid-19th century. He is also emphasizing the need to support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as the guarantor of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

ATFL applauds the Biden administration for continuing to focus on US-Lebanon relations and to support the needs of the Lebanese people in these exceedingly difficult times.

The American Task Force on Lebanon commends State Department Senior Advisor Amos Hochstein and the Lebanese Government for meeting to advance the delimitation of the Israel-Lebanon maritime boundary, an objective shared by all three governments. 

Such a deal will require open minds and a willingness to compromise from all parties. We encourage Senior Advisor Hochstein to show neutrality and flexibility as he hopefully brings these discussions to a conclusion that will both benefit the economic development of Lebanon and increase regional security.

Washington, DC, May 18, 2022 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, commends the Lebanese people for participating in the May 15 parliamentary election. This was the first election since the October 2019 protest movement and the 2020 Port of Beirut explosion.

Final election results show that Hezbollah and its allies have lost a parliamentary majority, having captured just 58 seats, falling short of the 65 seats needed to establish a majority. However, Hezbollah maintained their 27 member bloc and will be anxious to leverage new allies to their side. `

The Free Patriotic Movement, which is aligned with Hezbollah, lost significant seats, which were mainly picked up by the Lebanese Forces. The Lebanese Forces are strongly anti-Hezbollah, and will be the largest Christian political party in parliament with 22 seats.

Independent and political newcomers were able to capture 16 seats, which is larger than many analysts predicted. They are joined by nine other candidates who are critical of the political establishment.

According to György Hölvényi, chief observer of the European Union’s mission, the elections were overshadowed by a number of voting irregularities. The Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections tracked at least 3,600 violations, noting that political activists, mostly from Amal and Hezbollah, had attacked and threatened their observers.

Key challenges awaiting the new parliament include appointing a new prime minister-elect, forming a new government, implementing mandated reforms as part of the IMF Staff-Level Agreement, combatting endemic corruption, and selecting the country’s next president.

Many analysts point to gridlock as the next possible inhibitor of progress. There will be obvious sources of division not only between Hezbollah and its opponents, but also from the political newcomers and reformists who have yet to form their own bloc. Importantly, no coalition has been formed who can govern with a parliamentary majority and it is unclear how long the formation of such a coalition will take.

“We commend the Lebanese people for undertaking this democratic exercise,” said ATFL President Ed Gabriel. “These elections demonstrate the democratic passion of the Lebanese people to express their political views and the need for increased US investment in democratic institutions in Lebanon. While we are encouraged that the Lebanese people have sent a clear statement that they favor reform, the elections are over and now is the time to govern. The new parliament must come together, put aside partisan differences and respond to the urgent economic challenges that Lebanon faces. The Lebanese people do not have time to wait for politics as usual,” he added.

The American Task Force on Lebanon congratulates the Lebanese people for their participation in the parliamentary elections on May 15th. They voted in the first parliamentary elections since the October 2019 protest movement and 2020 Port of Beirut explosion. While local and diaspora votes are still being counted and some races have yet to be called, current results indicate a larger-than-expected shift away from traditional political parties and toward independents, opposition parties, and reformists. This is encouraging, despite reports of intimidation and irregularities. We also commend the 130,000 members of the Lebanese diaspora who voted in the 2022 elections, compared to 50,000 who voted in 2018.

As the votes are tallied and seats assigned, ATFL will provide its analysis of possible changes in Lebanon’s political landscape.

Washington, DC, April 7, 2022 (ATFL) – Senior advisers and board members of the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, recently returned from a trip to Lebanon where they met with key government leaders to stress the need for an agreement with the IMF. 

ATFL is pleased to learn that a Staff Agreement has been agreed to between the government of Lebanon and the IMF on April 7. We note the diligent efforts of the US Embassy in Beirut in support of the agreement and commend the work of the IMF and the Lebanese team, under the direction of Prime Minister Najib Mikati, which was led by Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh Al-Shami, and included Minister of Finance Youssef El Khalil and Minister of Trade and Economy Amin Salam. 

Under the terms of the agreement, the Lebanese government commits to a “comprehensive, economic reform program” in five areas: rebuilding the economy, restoring financial sustainability, strengthening governance and transparency, removing impediments to job-creating growth, and increased social and reconstruction spending, initially targeting the electricity sector.

The IMF agreed to provide access to approximately $3 billion in concessionary financing “after the timely implementation of all prior actions and confirmation of international partners’ financial support.” In other words, only action by the Lebanese authorities on the agreed reforms will bring about the release of the funds, hopefully before the end of the year.  

“We applaud the commitment by Lebanese authorities to undertake several critical reforms ahead of the IMF Board meeting,” said ATFL President Ed Gabriel. ”We have met regularly with the IMF and Lebanese negotiating team the past month to emphasize the urgency of completing an agreement and applaud this first and important step. Now the hard work begins as the Lebanese government and newly elected parliament ensures that an IMF reform package is fully implemented, prior to the release of any IMF funds,” he added.

Washington, DC, March 18, 2022 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, commends the Biden Administration and Congress for increasing US assistance to Lebanon.

On Tuesday, March 15, President Joe Biden signed the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations bill into law, which covers the US government budget from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022, and calls for $1.5 trillion in annual appropriations. The package includes $300 million in baseline Congressional support for Lebanon, including $160 million in security assistance and $112.5 million in economic and humanitarian assistance appropriated by Congress. This bill also includes economic assistance which will benefit deserving students at the American University of Beirut and Lebanese American University.

ATFL continues to strongly support the UN Livelihood Account, which will assist the humanitarian needs of soldiers and their families. President Biden requested $67 million for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and $16.5 million for the Internal Security Forces (ISF) from Congress for this initiative. ATFL is working with Congress to ensure continued support for these vital needs of the security force members and their families. 

There are further funding allocations contained in this Omnibus bill, and ATFL will continue to encourage the Biden Administration to draw down additional security and humanitarian assistance to support the LAF and the Lebanese people during these difficult times. 

“ATFL has worked closely with the US Congress to ensure that our vital interests in Lebanon are met,” said ATFL President Ed Gabriel. “We thank them for their steadfast support of the Lebanese people and are thankful that the US is increasing assistance at this critical time,” he added.

Washington, DC, December 10, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, commends Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for introducing H.R.6095 – To designate Lebanon under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit Lebanese nationals in the US to be eligible for temporary protected status if they are in danger of overstaying their visas. 

On November 30, Congresswoman Tlaib was joined by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) as original co-sponsors. The bill has since amassed 11 co-sponsors, including Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI), who recently joined ATFL on a Congressional delegation to Lebanon in late November.

TPS, based on a Congressional statute, protects certain overseas visitors in the US from deportation for a specified period of time if they are in danger of overstaying their visas. TPS beneficiaries receive a stay of deportation and are granted work authorization. The other option, at the discretion of the President, is the category of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), which allows certain individuals from designated countries and regions facing political or civic conflict or natural disaster to stay in the United States.

Despite a letter, led by Rep. Dingell and the other original cosponsors of H.R. 6095, the Department of Homeland Security declined to designate Lebanon for temporary protected status in October. ATFL responded by calling on the Biden Administration to reverse this decision in an October 15 statement.

ATFL was quoted in a press release issued by Rep. Dingell’s office on November 30, stating “The American Task Force on Lebanon supports the need to assist Lebanese citizens in danger of overstaying their visas as a result of the difficult and often desperate situation in Lebanon, as proposed in draft legislation offered by Representatives Tlaib, Dingell, Lofgren and Nadler. Faced with one of the worst disasters since the 1800’s they should be afforded the designation of Temporary Protected Status as recommended for 18 months to ensure their compliance with US law. During such difficult times the US has prided itself as a friend and welcoming host to those who are in danger of displacement and hardship.”

“ATFL continues to advocate for Lebanon to be designated for TPS. We continue to push the Biden Administration to do so and are strongly supportive of H.R.6095 and Congress’s leadership in this effort. Importantly, we encourage our members to take action by asking their representatives to co-sponsor this bill and vote for its final passage” said ATFL President Ed Gabriel.

Washington, DC, November 23, 2021 (ATFL) – United States Congressmen Darin LaHood, Darrell Issa, and Dan Kildee, spent three days in Lebanon accompanied by Ed Gabriel, the President of the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), which sponsored the trip.
 
Joined by Dorothy Shea, the United States Ambassador to Lebanon, the delegation met with the senior leadership in the present government including President General Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. The delegation also met with Minister of Interior Bassam Mawlawi, Minister of Finance Youssef Khalil, Minister of Economy and Trade Amin Salam, and Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh al-Shami.
 
To gain a fuller understanding of the security concerns in Lebanon, the delegation were received by General Joseph Aoun of the LAF and General Imad Osman of the Internal Security Forces,  and visited with the UNSCOL Country Director Joanna Wronecka, the UN  team in Lebanon, and General Stefano Del Col of UNIFIL.
 
As part of their concern with the upcoming parliamentary elections, the Congressmen met with former and current parliamentarians, civil society organizations mobilizing for the 2022 elections, and opposition groups.
 
The purpose of the visit was to receive an update on the situation in Lebanon with particular attention to the reform agenda of the government, security and transparency for the upcoming elections, US assistance to the people of Lebanon and the LAF/ISF forces and their families, explore ways to collaborate with government in support of an IMF program and other donors to reignite the economy, move to end corruption, and strengthen the Lebanese currency as well as enforcing Lebanon’s education and healthcare systems.
 
In various meetings, the Congressmen reinforced the US concern with Lebanon’s stability and security. Representative LaHood remarked that “The United States is seeking a sovereign, independent, and prosperous Lebanon,” and, addressing the continued gridlock in the government, Representative Issa said, “There is no shortage of leaders but there is a shortage of leadership.” Commenting on the need to continue US humanitarian support for the people, Representative Kildee reflected on the large number of Lebanese Americans in his district, “The Lebanese came to Flint, MI at a time when we were in need. Now it’s time to repay the favor. “

Addressing the dire economic crisis in Lebanon, which what has been referred to as one the worst financial crises since the mid-19^th century, Ed Gabriel, President of ATFL said, “The gravity of the situation reinforces the need for the United States to conduct an immediate review of its Lebanon policy with a goal of leading international efforts to support the economic reforms, meet the needs of the Lebanese people, and to take a firm stand against the negative regional influence which is destabilizing the country.” He concluded, “ATFL and its partners and friends will continue to work to strengthen US-Lebanon ties to preserve Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence.”