ATFL and Congressional Leaders Applaud Lebanon-Israel Maritime Accord

An October 10th letter from Reps. Darin LaHood, Darrell Issa, and Debbie Dingell, Co-Chairs of the US-Lebanon Friendship Caucus, can be accessed here.

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The American Task Force on Lebanon welcomes the agreement between Lebanon and Israel on a maritime border that demarcates the exclusive economic zones between the two countries. Mediated through the intense efforts of US Special Envoy for Energy Affairs Amos Hochstein and Lebanese Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab, the agreement is the culmination of efforts that have been in play since 2003 under then-Special Adviser Frederick Hof and revived under the Biden Administration two years ago.

The agreement is more than a boundary, it is the beginning of economic possibilities for Lebanon to join other Eastern Mediterranean countries in exploiting energy resources that will satisfy both domestic and international market needs. With the increasing reliance on natural gas in the global effort to reduce the carbon footprint of energy usage, any commercially viable discoveries will have a welcome and profitable impact.

More importantly, it gives added stability and security to the region by reducing provocations between Israel and Lebanon, providing a basis to settle the land boundary, and encouraging international investors to bring fresh funds into projects in Lebanon, increasing the economic health of the country.

ATFL thanks the US government for its continued efforts to bring about this agreement and the negotiators, Amos Hochstein and Elias Bou Saab, for their efforts to address and resolve this challenging effort.

“This agreement brings hope to the Lebanese people who have suffered through many months of economic despair and social upheaval; and it reminds the global community of the support still needed by those people to recover and survive through what the World Bank has said is the worst economic disaster since the mid-19th century,” said ATFL President Ed Gabriel.

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

American Task Force on Lebanon Encourages Lebanon and Israel to Finalize Maritime Boundary Agreement As Soon As Possible

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.”

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

Press Release: Senate Approves Appointment of Ambassador Edward M. Gabriel, Ret.

The United States Senate, on August 4, 2022, unanimously approved the nomination by President Joseph Biden of Edward M. Gabriel to become a member of the board of the US Institute of Peace. Ambassador Gabriel currently serves as President and CEO of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a nonprofit organization that seeks to build greater understanding and cultural ties between the United States and Lebanon.

As a USIP board member, Ambassador Gabriel will become part of a prestigious organization that was founded by Congress and is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for US and global security.

Ambassador Gabriel was the 16th US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, serving during the second term of President Bill Clinton. He has been recognized with the Order of the Ouissam Alaouite from the King of Morocco in 2001, and the National Order of the Cedar from the President of Lebanon in 2002. His international work has also involved national security and trade issues, including matters of Russian and European nuclear non-proliferation.

He has also been recognized for his work in the fields of Native American rights and education, inner-city economic development initiatives, Arab American rights, energy policy, and promotion of American education in the Middle East.

His diplomatic career was preceded by a business career in which he built one of the largest public affairs companies in Washington, and early in his career was the founding Executive Director of the Council of Energy Resource Tribes (CERT), an energy development association comprised of 22 American Indian Tribes.

Gabriel is a native of Olean, NY and currently resides in Washington, DC with his wife, Kathleen Linehan, an accomplished lawyer and advocate for animal rights.

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

Commemorating The August 4th Port Of Beirut Explosion

On August 4th, 2020, over 500 tons of ammonium nitrate stored at the Port of Beirut exploded, causing more than 220 deaths, 7,000 injuries, 300,000 displaced individuals, and at least $15 billion in property damage.

On this day of mourning, the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, reiterates its position on the necessity for a truly independent judiciary in Lebanon.

Congressman Darin LaHood, representing the 18th District of Illinois, issued a statement for the record in the US House of Representatives today as the co-chair of the US-Lebanon Friendship Caucus and a long-time friend of ATFL. 

ATFL President and CEO, Ambassador Ed Gabriel (ret.), outlines the deplorable corruption and negligence that led to the Port Explosion two years ago as well as what is at stake for Lebanon if its leaders fail to facilitate the country’s recovery in time. 

Press Release: ATFL Welcomes Support for Lebanon in Jeddah Communique

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To see the joint statement, click here

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

ATFL Statement on State Department Senior Advisor for Energy Security Amos Hochstein’s Travel to Lebanon

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.

For additional information contact steven.howard@atfl.org

Statement from ATFL on Lebanon’s Parliamentary Elections

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.
For additional information contact steven.howard@atfl.org

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

Press Release: ATFL Delegation Completes Its Visit to Lebanon

Washington, DC, April 8, 2022 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese heritage, led a ten day delegation to Lebanon headed by Amb. Ed Gabriel (Ret.), President of ATFL.

The purpose of the visit was to call attention to the worsening economic situation in the country and the need to urgently negotiate an International Monetary Fund (IMF) debt-relief package, as well as the importance of holding free, fair, and on-time elections.

In the presence of Dorothy Shea, the United States Ambassador to Lebanon, the delegation met with senior leadership in the current Lebanese government including President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. The delegation also met with the Deputy Prime Minister Saade Chami, Minister of Interior Bassam Mawlawi, Minister of Finance Youssef Khalil, Minister of Economy and Trade Amin Salam, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdallah Bou Habib.

To gain a fuller understanding of the security concerns in Lebanon, the delegation was briefed by General Joseph Aoun of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Brigadier General Maroun el Kobayati of the South Litani Sector of the LAF, and Head of Mission of the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Major General Aroldo Lázaro. Furthermore, the group visited with the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) Joanna Wronecka as well as the Deputy UNSCOL and Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator Najat Rochdi, in addition to other representatives of UN missions in Lebanon.

ATFL met with former and current parliamentarians, nascent and other political movements, civil society organizations, activists, Druze, Christian (Maronite Catholic and Greek Orthodox), and Muslim (Sunni and Shi’a) religious leaders, and members of the media in anticipation of the upcoming 2022 parliamentary elections.

“The situation in Lebanon is dire, caused by decades of political corruption that put individual interests ahead of the nation’s interest,” said ATFL President Ed Gabriel. “We urged the government to expeditiously negotiate an IMF debt-relief package without further delay and conduct free, fair, and on-time elections in order for Lebanese citizens to elect trusted leaders who will address reforms that meet the needs of the people.”

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For additional information contact steven.howard@atfl.org

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

Press Release: ATFL Commends Members of Congress for Urging Biden Administration to Support Free, Fair, and On-Time Elections in Lebanon

Washington, DC, April 7, 2022 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, commends House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI), Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA), and Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) for leading a letter co-signed by 20 of their colleagues to Secretary of State Antony Blinken that calls upon the Biden Administration to work with Lebanese officials to ensure that the May 15, 2022 parliamentary elections are free, fair, and on-time.

They wrote, “With dueling political and economic crises, the May parliamentary elections are the first opportunity the Lebanese people will have to cast their ballots since protests in the country began in 2019 after years of corruption and mismanagement. We concur with Ambassador Dorothy Shea that in holding elections on time, there is ‘no wiggle room,’ and that the failure to do so should result in swift condemnation for those responsible for any delay.”

The letter was co-signed by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Tom Cole (R-OK), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Jim Himes (D-CT), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Carol Miller (R-WV), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Jason Smith (R-OH), Dina Titus (D-NV), David Trone (D-MD), and Juan Vargas (D-CA).

ATFL has been meeting with Members of Congress and their staffs to discuss the need for US support leading up to the parliamentary elections.

“ATFL commends Chairman Meeks, Rep. Cicilline, Rep. Issa, Rep. LaHood, and all co-signatories for their bipartisan leadership in standing with the Lebanese people,” said ATFL President Ed Gabriel. “We encourage Secretary Blinken and the Biden Administration to prioritize support for free, fair, and on-time elections in Lebanon over this next month,” he added.

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Full text of the letter can be found here

For additional information contact steven.howard@atfl.org

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

Press Release: ATFL Welcomes Staff-Level Agreement Between Lebanon and the IMF-Notes Challenges Ahead

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.

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For additional information contact steven.howard@atfl.org

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.