President Michel Aoun (r.) receiving a delegation from the American Task Force for Lebanon, in the presence of the US Ambassador to Beirut, Dorothy Shea, July 18, 2022. (Photo Dalati and Nohra)
BEIRUT — The head of the American Task Force for Lebanon, a non-profit organization of prominent Lebanese-Americans who “work to strengthen the US-Lebanese relationship,” Edward Gabriel on Monday discussed with Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati the matter of wheat imports and “the importance of pressuring Russia so that wheat cargoes can leave Ukrainian ports,” the prime minister’s Twitter account reported.
Here’s what we know:
• A spokesperson for the American Task Force in Lebanon told L’Orient Today following the meeting, which was also attended by US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea that there are many ships carrying wheat cargo that are stuck in Ukrainian ports because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and that Russia “should be pressured so that wheat would at least come to Lebanon.”
• During a meeting with Mikati at the grand serail, Gabriel urged Lebanese leaders to "do something to support the Lebanese people.” "If the government and parliament do not act quickly, Lebanon faces a disaster," he said.
• Earlier in the day, Gabriel was received in Baabda by President Michel Aoun and "discussed the difficult situation from which Lebanon suffers and the importance of reaching a socio-economic rescue program.”
• "We call on those responsible to act quickly before it is too late," he said, adding that negotiations with the IMF should “accelerate.”
• During a press briefing after meeting Aoun, when asked if Lebanon was discussed during US President Joe Biden’s recent tour to the Middle East, Gabriel said that Biden "raised during his interviews several questions" on this subject. Washington "needs a partner,” Gabriel said.
• Gabriel, a former diplomat, also spoke with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Berri’s office reported. At the end of the meeting Berri indicated that "we must no longer procrastinate on the delineation of the maritime border with Israel, in order to allow the companies having won the calls for tenders to start working.”
• On July 6, Aoun said that the Lebanese-Israeli maritime border negotiations will conclude “soon.”
• "We have reached the beginning of an agreement with the Americans who are mediating with Israel … the solution is for the interest of Lebanon and everyone,” he said. Aoun’s comments came more than a month after US mediator in the negotiations Amos Hochstein came to Lebanon to receive a new proposal from the country. Hochstein also accompanied Biden on his recent trip to Israel.