The American Lebanese Coalition welcomes the cessation
of hostilities in Lebanon in line with the mandate of
the UNSCR 1701. Last month’ events have proven beyond
any doubt that there is no substitute to a strong
Lebanese government to defend the territorial
integrity of the Lebanese nation. Specifically:
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The ALC stands behind the seven points’ declaration
of the Government of Prime Minister Siniora and
supports its historical decision to deploy the
Lebanese Army in Southern Lebanon. The ALC expects
this decision to be a clear and powerful mandate to
the army to implement the government’s sole
authority over southern Lebanon.
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The ALC strongly advocates a quick deployment of
Lebanese Armed Forces on all borders between Lebanon
and Syria and the immediate cessation of the
smuggling of arms from Syria and Iran into Lebanon.
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The ALC expresses concerns that the international
forces’ deployment is slower than expected. The role
of these troops is essential to provide support to
the Lebanese Army in its mission to extend the
Lebanese Governmental authority over the Lebanese
territories.
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The American Lebanese Coalition and the Lebanese
American community in general denounce any
aggression directed toward civilians, private
property and infrastructure. However it warns that
any breach of United Nations Resolutions is going to
submit Lebanon to unnecessary retaliations. Lebanon
should not be the battleground for regional powers
and should not sacrifice its population, its economy
and its wellbeing to serve Iran’s radical ambitions
or Syria’s intrusive agenda. The ALC holds the
Syrian and the Iranian governments responsible for
jeopardizing the cease fire by attempting to
replenish the Hezbollah arsenal.
The ALC will pursue its efforts with the US
Administration and the members of the Security Council
at the United Nations to increase the pressure on
Syria and Iran to respect all United Nations
resolutions regarding Lebanon or face the consequences
of their destructive behavior.
