Beirut praises end of US travel ban on Lebanon
Lebanon, International, 7/31/1997

Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri praised the US decision on July 30 to end a ban on American citizens traveling to Lebanon, calling it a vote of confidence in the security situation in the country.

"I think this is something great and we are very happy," Hariri said after Madeleine Albright called to tell him of her decision.

The ban, imposed 12 years ago, has blocked visits by US businessmen as the country began rebuilding from the 1975-90 civil war. No other Western country banned its citizens from visiting.

"This is a radical change that will reflect very positively on the situation," Hariri said later to reporters.

"Without any doubt this will affect positively the economic situation in the country," said Hariri, who had campaigned for a lifting of the ban. "Businessmen can come."

However, Albright, making the announcement in Guam during an Asian tour, said a Lebanese envoy would arrive in Washington this week to work on cooperation between the two countries.

"I assured her that the Lebanese government will guard the security of Americans just like it does with its citizens," said Hariri.

This is a vote of confidence in Lebanon, especially in the area of security," said Hariri.

Lebanon had long campaigned against the travel ban, which it said was not justified after the release of the last kidnap victim more than five years ago and the ending of the civil war in 1990.

"This is very good news for us and the country," said John Dagher. managing Director of the Beirut office of US securities firm Merrill Lynch. "I don¹t think tomorrow night we will see the airport full of Americans but is a good step."

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search