OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Beirut

Floor Speech

Date: Aug. 5, 2020
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Foreign Affairs

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Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, first, I extend the Senate's condolences to the people of Lebanon following yesterday's horrific explosion in Beirut. Reports indicate that at least 100 have died and that more than 4,000 others were injured.

The Lebanese people have seen more than their share of tragedy--civil war, Syrian occupation, terrorism and assassination, sectarian violence, economic and political corruption, the burden of caring for more than a million refugees fleeing Syria.

Now, unfortunately, once again, in the wake of great tragedy, the Lebanese Armed Forces will have to demonstrate they serve the state of Lebanon and its people, not a political party or sect. Since the end of Syrian occupation, the LAF has demonstrated it can be a unifying and national force, largely free from sectarianism that corrodes other Lebanese institutions. Now it must do so again

The people of Beirut are beginning the hard work of rebuilding their city. Their nation continues its hard work to restore its democracy and sovereignty. On these fronts, the Senate and the American people stand with them in their journey.

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