New US ambassador Michel Issa presents credentials to Aoun

Arriving in Beirut on Friday, more than a month after his official approval by Congress in early October, the new U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, presented his credentials Monday morning to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

"President Joseph Aoun received the credentials of the new American ambassador Michel Issa, who conveyed to him the greetings of U.S. President Donald Trump and his commitment to strengthen and develop U.S.-Lebanese relations in all fields," the presidency announced on X. For his part, Aoun wished the ambassador every success in his mission.

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The diplomat was later received by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at Ain al-Tineh, who described the meeting in a statement as "good and frank." The diplomat, a native of Bsous (Aley), who had been appointed by Donald Trump in March, also met with Prime Minister Salam, to whom he affirmed Washington's desire to "strengthen relations with Lebanon," according to a statement from the Grand Serail. For his part, Salam wished the ambassador every success in his duties.

Earlier in the day, Issa had begun his local tour with a meeting with Foreign Minister Joe Rajji.

The diplomat was warmly welcomed in his hometown on Sunday where he made an informal speech following a religious service in which he called on the Lebanese to unite. "Everyone is watching us and stands ready to help. But if we do not help each other, no one will help us. We must learn to be united," he stressed.

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A friend and golfing partner of the American president, Issa succeeds Lisa Anne Johnson who had held the post in Awkar, a northern suburb of Beirut, since January 2024. His arrival comes as the risk of Israeli military escalation looms over Lebanon, where the Israeli state continues its near-daily strikes despite the cease-fire reached in November of last year.

Before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Issa called in July for urgent action against Hezbollah, stating that its disarmament was not an option, but a necessity.