Policy Statement

The American Task Force for Lebanon (ATFL) is an independent organization, whose objective is to expand awareness of the economic and political conditions in Lebanon and to encourage the various United States government entities and the Lebanese-American community to provide much needed assistance to Lebanon. The organization consists of prominent Lebanese Americans from around the country who have distinguished themselves in the fields of politics, business, law medicine, arts, and the sciences. The unifying goal is to work towards maintaining a secure, stable, independent, and sovereign Lebanon with full control over all its territory.

As such, the ATFL will advocate:

1. permanent departure of all non-Lebanese forces and intelligence services from Lebanese territory and full implementation of all United Nations Security Council resolutions and international agreements regarding Lebanon;
   
   
2. assumption by the United States of energetic diplomacy in the Middle East peace process and the assurance that the conclusion of the Middle East peace process will preserve the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Lebanon;
   
   
3. the Lebanese Government shall exercise exclusive control of all armaments on Lebanese territory;
   
   
4. a just solution to the Palestinian refugee issue in Lebanon which respects Lebanons national interests;
   
   
5. restoration of the rights of United States air carriers to serve Lebanon and Lebanese air carriers to serve the United States;
   
   
6. strengthening of the historical military relationship between the United States and Lebanon, through programs such as Excess Defense Articles and International Military Education and Training and other such programs;
   
   
7. abiding by a general policy of non-interference in Lebanon's internal affairs;
   
   
8. support for Lebanon's democratic and judicial institutions and support for Lebanon's strict adherence to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
   
   
9. support for democratic and administrative reform in Lebanon and eradication of corruption;
   
   
10. participation of U.S. companies in Lebanon's redevelopment and the strengthening of U.S.-Lebanese commercial ties;
    
    
11. support for a US role in enhancing Lebanons economic development with attention to sound environmental practice and the welfare of women and children;
    
    
12. instilling of a unity of purpose in the Lebanese-American community, so the community can be mobilized in times of need;
    
    
13. educate lawmakers and their staffs about the issues facing Lebanon and the region by organizing educational Congressional and their staff trips to Lebanon;
    
    
14. encouraging the Lebanese-American community to participate fully in the democratic process in order to express their views to their elected representatives and other officials; and
    
    
15. cooperation with other organizations that concur with our Mission and Policy Statements, in pursuit of like-minded goals.
    
    

The ATFL will encourage and facilitate humanitarian and educational support for Lebanon. It will continue to organize conferences and cultural and social activities that contribute to bringing the Lebanese-American community together with friends of Lebanon. Our purpose is to refocus on American interests and friendship with Lebanon and keep the Lebanese cause alive in the consciences of the American people and the United States government.

American Task Force for Lebanon, 1100 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1250, DC 20036, T: (202) 223-9333 F: (202) 223-1399. © 2007, All Rights Reserved.