“The United States seeks to help Lebanon preserve its independence, sovereignty, national unity, stability, and territorial integrity. The United States, along with the international community, supports full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) 1559, 1680, and 1701, including the disarming of all militias, the delineation of the Lebanese-Syrian border, and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) throughout Lebanon. The United States believes that a peaceful, prosperous, and stable Lebanon can make an important contribution to comprehensive peace in the Middle East.” _ The US Department of State
First diplomatic contact
The United States sent diplomat George Wadsworth to Lebanon in October 1942 as an “Agent and Consul General” while Lebanon was still part of a French-ruled international mandate.
Recognition of Lebanon’s sovereignty
The United States recognized Lebanon as an independent country on September 8, 1944. Formal relations were established on November 16, 1944, as Wadsworth presented his credentials as Envoy
From Legation to Embassy
The status of the US representation in Lebanon was raised from Legation to embassy on October 3, 1952. Harold B. Minor was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
Turmoil and Closure
1989 marked a sad milestone in the history of US-Lebanon relations. The US withdrew the embassy staff on September 6, 1989 due to safety concerns. Then-Ambassador John T. McCarthy was hopeful of a near return of US embassy functions.
US representation returns to Lebanon
The American Embassy in Beirut reopened on November 29, 1990 with the presentation of the credentials of the new Ambassador Ryan Crocker.
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