ATFL Strongly Supports Lebanon’s Policy of Dissociation and Encourages Full Support and Implementation to Safeguard Lebanon’s Independence and Stability.
The American Task Force for Lebanon (ATFL), an independent U.S. nonprofit organization made up of Americans of Lebanese descent committed to strong and enduring US-Lebanon relations, reiterates its support for the government of Lebanon’s stated policy of dissociation, whereby all parties agreed in 2012 and which was reiterated in the inaugural speech of President Michel Aoun, to avoid participating in regional conflicts.
The recent turmoil in Lebanon demonstrates the difficulty of reaching concerted action to implement dissociation; however, UN Resolution 1701, which was agreed to by all parties, clearly envisions a Lebanon in which internal security is the sole responsibility of the government. ATFL again calls for all parties to adhere to the resolution and fully respect the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and security services to provide security and stability throughout the country and on its borders.
The ATFL strongly believes that only the government of Lebanon can legitimately represent the country’s relations in the region and internationally; so it is vital that the government and its representatives are the sole parties carrying on political and diplomatic relations with other countries.
The LAF is growing more capable and ready, as it has demonstrated, to ensure Lebanon’s security. Its responsibility must be honored by all parties so that the Lebanese government can fully carry out its leadership responsibilities in the economic, social, and political development of the country.
The ATFL calls on all governments in the region as well as Lebanon’s friends in the West to support dissociation and continue to provide Lebanon with the support it needs to function effectively on behalf of the people and institutions of Lebanon.
