For Immediate Release

Contact: Paul Lindsay

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr. (R-LA) today joined other Members of Congress of Lebanese descent for a town hall forum to discuss the crisis in the Middle East.  The forum, sponsored by the Arab American Institute (AAI), consisted of Boustany, along with Reps. Nick Rahall (D-WV), Ray LaHood (R-IL), and Darrell Issa (R-CA). 

Along with Sen. John Sununu (R-NH), another Lebanese American, the group has urged continued support for the Lebanese government in their efforts to disarm Hezbollah in order to comply with United Nations Security Resolution 1559. 

“It is critical that the Lebanese government does not become a failed state,” said Boustany.  “We have the responsibility to support both of our democratic allies in the region, Israel and Lebanon, in their efforts to stop this terrorist violence.”  

Today, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice announced that evacuation fees would be waived for Americans leaving Lebanon.  Boustany and other Members of Congress of Lebanese descent raised their concerns over this issue in a meeting with Assistant Secretary of State David Welch Tuesday morning, urging that evacuation fees be waived.

“I thank Secretary Rice for this prompt and critical decision,” added Boustany.  “Our government has the obligation to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of its citizens throughout the world.”

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