Senators Perdue, Shaheen, Bennet Act In Support Of Lebanon

Statement

U.S. Senators David Perdue (R-GA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) took action in support of Lebanon. On the heels of World Refugee Day, the senators introduced a bipartisan resolution acknowledging the burden Lebanon endures with the Syrian refugee crisis and highlighting the hurdles to long-term stability for Lebanon. The senators signaled the support of the United States for Lebanon's continued efforts to combat threats from ISIS and curb the influence of the terrorist group Hezbollah.

"It is in the best interest of the global community to support a secure and stable Lebanon, which is home to the largest percentage of Christians of any nation in the region," said Senator Perdue. "Lebanon bears the burden of the current Syrian refugee crisis, a major contributor to the worst refugee crisis the world has ever known, all while carrying out the ongoing fight against ISIS on its own soil. At the same time, Lebanon has been undermined for years by the undue foreign influence of Iran and its terrorist proxy, Hezbollah, that is also threatening U.S. allies in the region including Israel. This dire situation requires bold action from the international community, but progress cannot be achieved without U.S. leadership."

"Lebanon has shouldered an enormous burden as a result of the ongoing conflict in Syria, and our Senate resolution acknowledges the importance of the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Lebanon," said Senator Shaheen. "The Lebanese people have demonstrated true humanitarian spirit in welcoming more than one and a half million Syrian refugees while also suffering attacks by ISIS. To help preserve stability in Lebanon and counter the destabilizing influence of Iran's terrorist proxy Hizballah, the U.S. has and must continue to provide crucial humanitarian support, as well as economic and security assistance, to the government of Lebanon."

"Lebanon has continued to open its doors to refugees despite the tremendous strain it puts on the country's resources," said Senator Bennet. "This resolution recognizes that we must work with our partners to address not just the immediate refugee crisis, but also to build stability, counter Hizballah, and support investments in security, services, and infrastructure."

Text of the resolution is available here.

Source