| Fact Sheet Bureau of Public Affairs Washington, DC January 25, 2007 U.S.-Lebanon Partnership PDF version
"America is making a long-term commitment to help the people of Lebanon because we believe every person deserves to live in a free, open society that respects the rights of all." --President George W. Bush In 2006, President Bush and Secretary Rice asked four distinguished American private-sector leaders to launch a nationwide effort to partner with the Lebanese people and to showcase the generosity of the American people. The five executives leading this effort include:
Three members of this group - led by Assistant Secretary of State, Dina Habib Powell -- traveled on a Presidential delegation to Lebanon and met with students, business leaders, NGOs and senior government officials -- including Prime Minister Siniora - and discussed ways the American private sector could help. Following the trip, the four executives met with President Bush at the White House to discuss their observations and outline plans to mobilize the American business community. The nationwide effort focuses on initiatives in five key areas critical to creating sustainable economic growth in the region, which include: crisis relief and responses; information technology infrastructure; workforce training; job creation; and connected government. On January 25, 2007 at the International Donors' Conference on Lebanon in Paris, the leaders of this effort met with Secretary Rice and Prime Minister Siniora and announced several new initiatives including education and workforce training, job creation and building technology infrastructure. A key part of this public-private initiative is the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)-Citigroup partnership, extending up to $120 million in new financing, through Lebanese banks, for loans to support Lebanese businesses and homeowners. These loans will encourage additional private investment and contribute to economic growth. The group has established the U.S.-Lebanon Partnership Fund to encourage private and corporate donations. This fund provides a mechanism for the American people to partner with the Lebanese people to rebuild their homes and lives. Those wishing to donate to the fund may do so at www.lebanonpartnership.org. This fund is administered by Global Impact, a not-for-profit organization that represents more than 50 of the most respected U.S.-based international charities. For additional information, please contact Nicole Deaner at (202) 203-7613 or DeanerNA@state.gov. |
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