Washington, DC – In Defense of Christians (IDC), the nation’s leading advocacy organization for Christians and religious minorities in the Middle East and Africa, commends Representative Gregory Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, for leading a letter sent on May 18, 2021 to Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the dire political, economic, humanitarian, and security situation in Lebanon. The letter was endorsed by 25 members of Congress, and makes a series of strong recommendations, including:
The formation of an international coalition to coordinate urgent financial assistance and reform program with the IMF and World Bank to stabilize the Lebanese economy, pending formation of a responsible and capable government.
The U.S., along with international partners, should immediately lead a humanitarian assistance effort directly to the Lebanese people, rather than through the Lebanese government.
Provide increased assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), which is critical to stability in Lebanon. If we do not support the LAF, Hezbollah and other militias will gain strength.
Call for an international, independent investigation into the Beirut Port blast of August 2020.
“We thank Congressman Meeks for his leadership and strong recommendations in support of Lebanon,” said IDC President Toufic Baaklini. “We look forward to continuing our work with Congressman Meeks, the U.S. Congress, and the Biden Administration for the stability and returned prosperity of Lebanon,” Baaklini added.