US congressmen head to economically crippled Lebanon on fact-finding mission

Lebanese people queue outside of a gas station to fill their vehicles amidst a deepening economic crisis sparking various shortages of basic staples in the country in Tripoli, Lebanon on August 14, 2021. [Ahmed Said – Anadolu Agency]

A group of US congressmen will hold meetings with crisis-hit Lebanon’s leaders to report back to US President Joe Biden, The New Arab reported.

The delegation headed to Lebanon on Friday and will stay three days, goes with the intention of how to best help the country through the economic crisis.

The US team consists of California Rep. Republican Darrell Issa, Illinois-based Republican Rep. Darin LaHood. American Taskforce for Lebanon’s top dog Edward Gabriel also joined the group, and met with President Michel Aoun.

READ: ‘People will be harmed’ as Lebanon cuts medicine subsidies

The crisis in Lebanon is said to be triggered by years of corruption and mismanagement going back decades. Other countries have promised to help on the basis of widespread reforms

Gabriel told local Al-Jadeed TV that members of Congress are in Beirut “to see for themselves” what’s going on. in Lebanon, and who hoped they would “bring new ideas” about ways in which the United States could help the Lebanese.

The group also met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who expressed his gratitude for the US’s ongoing support.

Lebanon’s economic crisis struck in 2019, mired by political turmoil between factions.

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