US Congress members send letter urging Lebanon's leaders to enact reforms and counter Hezbollah’s influence

U.S. Congress members Darin LaHood and Darrell Issa sent a letter to President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, reaffirming their commitment to rebuilding Lebanon while encouraging the country to uphold reforms and establish a state based on the rule of law. 

The letter stated: "As Co-Chairs of the U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, we extend our congratulations to you on the successful, democratic, and constitutional fulfillment of elections for President and selection of Prime Minister in Lebanon. 

After a two-year vacuum, this marks a significant milestone for Lebanon, offering hope for the future of the Lebanese people.
As longstanding friends of Lebanon, we support your commitment to rebuilding and reforming the country of Lebanon for the Lebanese people.

Under your leadership, Lebanon now has a chance to grow as an independent, sovereign, and prosperous nation. With this in mind, we encourage you to focus on building a nation under the rule of law, eliminating corruption and influence from political elites or sectarian favoritism, and freeing the country from the malign influence of Hezbollah. We also recommend that you take long overdue steps to address the humanitarian and economic crises facing the Lebanese people.

Your strong commitment to reform is crucial for Lebanon's path forward. 

This commitment will not only benefit the Lebanese people but also strengthen Lebanon's position of trust and stability to gain support within the international community. As you begin efforts for reform and reconstruction, we urge you to utilize this opportunity of hope for a democratic Lebanon that serves the needs of its citizens.

We look forward to working alongside President Trump and his new Administration to engage your government during this new and positive time for Lebanon. In Congress, we will continue to support our longstanding relationship with Lebanon as a partner of the United States and look forward to a government in Lebanon that returns the country to its historic stature."