Thursday, August 30, 2018

Remarks following the Adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2433 Renewing the Mandate of UNIFIL

Rodney Hunter
Political Coordinator
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York City
August 30, 2018

AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Madam President. The United States is pleased to join consensus in support of the mandate renewal today. I also want to commend France for the cooperative spirit in which it led this process.

Maintaining peace and stability between Lebanon and Israel is of paramount importance.

The mandate makes clear that UNIFIL must have freedom of movement and access to the Blue Line.

The mandate also underscores the importance of the arms embargo included in Resolution 1701. With the support of Iran, Hizballah has grown its arsenal in Lebanon in direct threat to peace along the Blue Line and the stability of all of Lebanon. In support of the Taif Accords, the Security Council decided that all States shall prevent the sale or supply of arms in Lebanon to any entity other than the Government of Lebanon or UNIFIL. Twelve years later, it is unacceptable that Hizballah continues to flout this embargo, Lebanon's sovereignty, and the will of the majority of Lebanese people.

Another important component in this mandate is the language on the Maritime Taskforce. At the inception of the Taskforce, the Security Council failed to provide a clear transition strategy and goal for the Lebanese Navy to work towards eventually assuming responsibilities for the Taskforce. We have taken steps to correct this oversight and urge the international community to support the strengthening and expansion of Lebanese naval capabilities accordingly.

As we review missions against our Peacekeeping Principles, the United States will continue to work to ensure that UNIFIL remains an effective mission. We reiterate our commitment to supporting the stability and peace the people of Lebanon and Israel have long desired. Thank you, Madam President.

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Saturday, August 18, 2018

Major General Michael Langley, USCENTCOM Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy, Visits Lebanon

EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
BEIRUT LEBANON
August 18, 2018
Media Notice
For Immediate Release

Major General Michael Langley, United States Central Command Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy, visited Lebanon from August 15 to 18. Major General Langley's is responsible for Foreign Military Sales programs for Lebanon, including the A-29 Super Tucanos, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and Cessna aircraft. While in Lebanon, Major General Langley met with the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander, General Joseph Aoun. Major General Langley attended a dinner in honor of Lebanese officers who recently attended training in the United States. He also visited a LAF Air Force base.
The U.S. government is committed to the Lebanese-American partnership and supports the Lebanese Armed Forces in their capacity as the sole defender of Lebanon.