U.S.-Lebanon Partnership

"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

President George W. Bush announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Beirut, Lebanon. Four distinguished American private-sector leaders have agreed to launch a nationwide effort to demonstrate U.S. private-sector support for Lebanon's reconstruction and development. In the coming days, they will ask Americans to donate directly to a fund set up to provide help. This effort will highlight the generosity of the American people. The group has established a fund to raise awareness, and encourage private and corporate donations. This fund will complement the over $230 million in aid pledged by the United States Government and will help the Lebanese people rebuild their homes and lives by restoring bridges and roads, repairing damaged schools, and supporting other humanitarian aid efforts. The United States believes it is important that Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and Lebanon’s young democracy succeed.

The four executives leading this effort include:

• Craig Barrett, Chairman, Intel Corporation
• John Chambers, President and CEO, Cisco Systems
• Dr. Ray Irani, Chairman, President and CEO, Occidental Petroleum Corporation
• Yousif Ghafari, Chairman, Ghafari, Inc.

This group, led by Assistant Secretary of State Dina Habib Powell, will identify ways that we can tap into the generosity of American businesses and non-profits to continue to help the people of Lebanon.

In order to assess where funds are most needed, and how those resources will be most effectively distributed, the delegation will visit affected areas, survey reconstruction efforts, and meet with Prime Minister Siniora and business leaders to discuss rebuilding priorities. Following the trip, the four executives will meet with President Bush to share their observations and outline subsequent plans.

The fund will be administered by Global Impact, a leading U.S. not-for-profit organization. The fund will be led by an advisory committee consisting of the four corporate leaders as well as one representative from the U.S. Government. This advisory committee will ensure that all funds are directed to relief organizations providing support, supplies, and expertise where they are needed most.