A delegation from the Lebanese-American Coordination Committee (LACC) has begun its scheduled visit to Beirut, which will last until the 22nd of this month. The mission is exploratory, aiming to understand the prevailing conditions in Lebanon from various political, economic, social, and financial aspects post-elections, and to explore ways to address the difficulties faced by the Lebanese people. The delegation includes Ms. May Rihani, Director of the Washington Office of the World Lebanese Cultural Union, Fares Wahbeh, President of the "New Lebanon" gathering, former American diplomat Walid Maalouf, President of the "Lebanese-American Renaissance Partnership," and Ziad Saïgh, Executive Director of the Civil Impact Forum, representing the forum as the "advisory organization of the committee in Lebanon."
On the first day, the delegation met with the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Fronitʹska, at 9 AM, followed by a visit to the "Lady of the Mountain" meeting and the National Council to Face Iranian Occupation, chaired by former MP Dr. Fares Said, at 10:30 AM. At 2 PM, they met with the "The Convention" Movement, chaired by Brigadier General Khalil Helou in Jaitah.
In their meeting with Ms. Fronitʹska, the delegation expressed gratitude for the significant role played by the UN in various humanitarian, social, and service areas, as well as those related to supporting constitutional institutions and civil society to achieve the desired reforms and assist Lebanon in overcoming its ongoing crises. They also highlighted the stability provided by the enhanced international forces "UNIFIL" in the south.
Discussions with Ms. Fronitʹska focused on three main themes: first, the insistence on continued international support for the Lebanese Army and security institutions to ensure Lebanon's sovereignty in collaboration with "UNIFIL" and to provide conditions that allow the country to navigate its upcoming constitutional entitlements while preserving Lebanon's cultural identity. Second, the importance of facilitating the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees and gratitude for the assistance provided to host communities facing dire conditions. Third, the necessity of activating the "International Support Group for Lebanon," which has facilitated significant progress, emphasizing Lebanon's connection to the international community and the Arab world while striving to maintain a neutral stance regarding regional and international conflicts and their repercussions.
In their meeting with the "Lady of the Mountain" Council to Combat Iranian Occupation, chaired by former MP Dr. Fares Said, and in the presence of members of the meeting, the discussions centered on assessing the risks facing Lebanon's entity and future. They emphasized the importance of actions to safeguard Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and institutions, ensuring the defense of Lebanon's diversity and the protection of public freedoms and pluralism.
After outlining their activities in the United States, the delegation discussed the significance of continued support from the diaspora and civil society for their home country, Lebanon. They also explored what can be done in major decision-making capitals to align external and internal dynamics in favor of Lebanon and all Lebanese people. The importance of collaboration to defend Lebanon, support the Lebanese cause, and unify efforts to achieve the awaited constitutional entitlements following the parliamentary elections was also emphasized to elect a new president who is committed to rescuing the Lebanese Republic and protecting national constants while applying the constitution to ensure unity and diversity, as well as protect communal living.
In their meeting with Brigadier General Helou, the delegation presented an overview of the committee's efforts in the United States and the results of meetings held with top officials regarding Middle Eastern and Lebanese issues. They reflected on the outcomes of the conference organized by the committee in Washington at the end of April, including recommendations and decisions regarding economic, social, humanitarian, intellectual aspects, defense policymaking, as well as constitutional and sovereignty matters, all related to the public good for the Lebanese people. They underlined the importance of maintaining communication between the homeland and the diaspora to preserve Lebanon's Charter and protect national security.
Following their discussions, according to Brigadier General Helou's invitation, the meeting transitioned into a working session to prepare for the second "The Convention" conference and explore ways to collaborate, integrating Lebanese expertise for a conference that would mark a turning point in the lives of the Lebanese people. The possibility for the delegation to play a role in preparing the conference and suggesting ideas for discussion, as well as identifying any form of assistance that Lebanese institutions abroad could provide, was also discussed.
At the end of the meeting, Brigadier General Helou thanked the delegation for their visit and wished them success in their grand national aims that Lebanon needs in this critical phase experienced by the region. The delegation will continue its tour on the upcoming Monday, visiting MP Kamil Dory Chammoun, members of the "Sovereign Front," and members of the "Renewal Parliamentary Bloc," which includes MPs Michel Moawad, Fouad Makhzoumi, General Ashraf Rifi, and Adib Abd El-Masih.
