Latest news with #ATFL
LBCI
5 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
President Aoun to US group: Lebanon is on path to recovery
President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon has made 'notable progress' and is moving steadily toward building a state governed by law and upheld by an independent judiciary. In a video address to the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) during a dinner event in Washington, Aoun emphasized the need to continue strengthening Lebanon's security forces and to develop a comprehensive national security strategy as a foundation for long-term stability. He also pointed to major challenges—including the ongoing Syrian and Palestinian refugee crises—but said he is confident the country is now on the path to recovery. Aoun thanked the ATFL for being 'a strong voice for Lebanon with U.S. decision-makers,' highlighting its key role in securing humanitarian and economic assistance, as well as continued U.S. military aid to the Lebanese army. He affirmed the strength of Lebanon's ties with the United States, calling the relationship 'deep-rooted,' and said, 'We firmly believe that a solid relationship with the United States is a cornerstone of Lebanon's international standing.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
US Senator Risch to Asharq Al-Awsat: Lebanon Must Buck the Presence of Hezbollah Once and for All
Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Lebanese must weaken Hezbollah's grip over their country and work on 'bucking the presence of the party once and for all.' He said the Republican and Democratic parties want to support the Lebanese army and empower it in preserving security along the border with Syria and Blue Line with Israel. Risch will be granted the Philip C. Habib Award for Distinguished Public Service by the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) on Wednesday at a ceremony attended by former mediator between Lebanon and Israel Amos Hochstein and Lebanese-American businesswoman Micheline Nader. Risch noted that Lebanon was a 'at a critical moment. After decades, the Lebanese people have an opportunity to break free from Iran's tyrannical stranglehold on Beirut.' 'The new leadership has an opportunity to restore Lebanese sovereignty and deliver a prosperous future for its people. But there is significant work to do,' he remarked. 'The new government must implement reforms to end corruption in Lebanon and buck the presence of Hezbollah once and for all,' he urged. 'Government control of customs, the airport, and routes in and out of Lebanon are critical to ensure we continue to weaken Hezbollah's hold,' he stressed. 'Thanks to the courage of the people, Lebanon is on the right path. American support of the Lebanese Armed Forces has paid off and the LAF is finally in the position to displace Hezbollah once and for all,' Risch added. 'I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Administration to support a safe, secure, and prosperous Lebanon,' he vowed. Meanwhile, ATFL President Edward Gabriel told Asharq Al-Awsat that he had returned from Lebanon recently feeling more optimistic after he sensed a commitment by senior officials, including President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, to the ceasefire and economic reforms that will set the country on the right path. Lebanon's efforts are receiving direct assistance from US President Donald Trump's administration and through Deputy Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus, who is expected to visit Beirut soon. An American source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the US Congress had offered the Lebanese army great assistance in recent years. Speaking on condition of anonymity, it said these funds were dedicated to training and equipping the military, raising its tactical and operational capabilities, and developing its forces to take on more duties, including border security with Syria and Israel. Congress is hoping that the army would provide greater security along all of Lebanon's borders as the country strives to impose control over its northern borders and rid areas south of the Litani of terrorist Hezbollah infrastructure, said the source. Officials from the ATFL paid a visit to Lebanon recently where they met with Aoun, Salam, over 12 ministers and lawmakers, Army Commander Rodolph Haykal and Central Bank Governor Karim Souaid and others. Gabriel told Asharq Al-Awsat that every one of the Lebanese officials is aware that time is not on Lebanon's side if it wants US support in its reconstruction. The US has made it clear that the implementation of reforms was a condition for any aid in reconstruction, he stressed. For her part, Nader told Asharq Al-Awsat that she had urged President Aoun to confront the deep crisis of trust in Lebanon after years of economic collapse, political meddling in the country's judiciary and rampant corruption. She proposed some main steps that the Lebanese diaspora across the world can offer to their home country to help restore trust in Lebanon, including rebuilding the economy and financial sector after the Lebanese citizens were deprived of their deposits, estimated at around 93 billion dollars, because the state failed in paying its debts and because of the collapse of the banking sector.
LBCI
09-04-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Lebanese PM Salam holds series of meetings to discuss economic and financial situation
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met at the Grand Serail with Jacques de La Gouge, economic advisor to the French presidential envoy to Lebanon, who headed a visiting delegation to discuss preparations for the reconstruction conference France intends to host later this year. During the meeting, Salam emphasized the importance of holding the conference as soon as possible, highlighting its critical role in Lebanon's recovery efforts. Discussions also covered the country's economic and financial situation and the reform measures the Lebanese government has begun implementing to stabilize the economy. Prime Minister Salam later received Kuwaiti businessman Bader Al-Kharafi, with talks focusing on potential investment opportunities across various sectors in Lebanon. The discussions come in light of recent government steps aimed at fostering a more favorable environment for foreign investments. Salam praised the strong and historic ties between Lebanon and Kuwait, describing them as both fraternal and exceptional. The prime minister also met with Nijad Fares, vice chair of the American Task Force for Lebanon (ATFL), as part of ongoing international engagement efforts.
National News
09-04-2025
- Politics
- National News
American Task Force on Lebanon reaffirms its commitment to NDU's mission in meaningful visit
NNA - A delegation from the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), headed by Edward Gabriel, visited the main campus of Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) in Zouk Mosbeh, where they were warmly welcomed by the University president, Father Bechara Khoury, along with his vice presidents, deans, and directors. The delegation, which consisted of prominent Lebanese-American figures from the diaspora community in the United States, expressed their appreciation, encouragement, and deep admiration for NDU's academic achievements—especially the University's attainment of the prestigious institutional accreditation from NECHE. The delegation toured various parts of the campus and participated in an extensive dialogue session. In his remarks, Father Khoury expressed his gratitude to the delegation for their meaningful visit, which was preceded by a series of bilateral meetings in Washington. He emphasized the shared mission of safeguarding Lebanon—a responsibility that calls for collective action. 'This visit is not just ceremonial; it is a meeting of hearts and missions. Both NDU and ATFL believe in Lebanon—not as an abstract idea, but as a living reality worth preserving, strengthening, and celebrating,' he highlighted. Father Khoury also noted that both institutions, ATFL and NDU, are fully rooted in Lebanese identity while upholding international standards. Their partnership, as he stated, is grounded in a common commitment to a noble purpose: the development of the human person. He added that while ATFL represents the strength and momentum of the Lebanese diaspora tirelessly working for Lebanon from abroad, NDU is deeply rooted in Lebanon and serves as a bridge connecting the homeland to its global community. For his part, Gabriel, President of ATFL, expressed his reassurance that Lebanon's educational mission is in good hands, as long as higher education institutions like NDU are on the front lines defending the Lebanese Gabriel also praised NDU's accomplishments and the ways in which the University uplifts Lebanon's image, both locally and globally through its graduates, many of whom have attained high-ranking positions in the United States and around the world. This collaboration, rooted in mutual trust, is best represented by the American Friends of NDU (AFNDU), led by Michel Chammas, who joined the delegation on this occasion. The visit served as an opportunity to explore various avenues and aspirations aimed at supporting the University To conclude, the delegation toured the museum of the Lebanese Emigrants Research Center (LERC), which houses a valuable collection of archives that shed light on the rich history of Lebanese emigration. -- NDU ====================
LBCI
08-04-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
ATFL presses Lebanon on reforms and Hezbollah disarmament in Beirut talks — the details
Report by Rita Khoury, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian A message from Washington to Lebanon, presented by the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) and led by Edward Gabriel, was delivered to President Joseph Aoun, highlighting the urgency of disarming Hezbollah and swiftly implementing essential reforms for Lebanon to secure international support. For President Aoun, the priority is to reduce tensions in the south, particularly because Israel's presence in five positions further complicates the situation. He urged the U.S. to pressure Israel to withdraw from these areas. President Aoun also committed to pursuing reforms, disarming groups, and ensuring Lebanon's full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. He said, 'Regarding the northern part of the Litani River, we have already dismantled six camps that were under the control of Palestinian groups.' Regarding his approach to disarming Hezbollah, President Aoun emphasized the importance of dialogue, saying, 'We will soon begin working on drafting a national security strategy, which will form the basis for a national defense strategy.' The ATFL delegation also met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who reaffirmed his government's determination to continue efforts to place all weapons under state control and extend the government's authority over all Lebanese territory. Salam also revealed that the government is preparing a draft law to ensure judicial independence. Edward Gabriel, for his part, emphasized that both President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam acknowledged the need to take concrete steps to reinforce the ceasefire, including enabling the Lebanese Armed Forces—supported by the United States—to carry out their missions alongside launching negotiations on border demarcation. He also noted that discussions emphasized the importance of aligning economic progress with maintaining the ceasefire.
