Despite these positive steps, we judge that Lebanon continues to be a dangerous place for Americans. Lebanon remains a safe haven for armed, organized groups with a demonstrated history of terrorist attacks against Americans. These include Hizballah, the Abu Nidal Organization, the PFLP-GC and other groups. These groups are not completely restrained by the government and continue to demonstrate a hostility toward the United States and our citizens. They still retain a capability to take actions if they choose. We receive occasional reports of surveillance of Embassy Beirut and its personnel.

The restriction on the use of the U.S. passport and a strong travel warning began in the eighties as a result of our continuing concerns about the security threat to American citizens. The restriction was extended annually until January 1994. Since then it has been extended for periods of six months in order to review the security situation on a more frequent basis. The restriction will expire on July 31, and Secretary Albright will review the restriction prior to that date.

Regulations also allow for circumstances in which the State Department may grant an exception to the passport restrictions. The State Department through the Consular Affairs Bureau adjudicates such Lebanon validation requests on a case-by-case basis and on an expedited basis for emergency travel. In 1996, we responded to a request from Senator Spencer Abraham and other Members of Congress to then-Secretary Christopher for a modification of the humanitarian passport validation category by expanding the definition of the family allowed to travel under that category. As a result, more Americans have received validations for travel to Lebanon for family reunification and family emergencies.

Other restrictions have long been in place on the purchase of airline tickets with itineraries including Lebanon, the use of Beirut International Airport (BIA) by U.S. carriers and U.S.-registered aircraft, landing rights in the U.S. by Lebanon's flag carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) and some restrictions on air cargo originating in Lebanon. In 1995, the U.S. eased ticketing restrictions to allow the purchase of airline tickets in the U.S. for non-Americans and Americans with properly validated passports. These groups were previously forced to buy their tickets in third countries. These instances demonstrate we are prepared to make changes in our restrictions and relax aspects of them as conditions warrant.

While the U.S. has no trade sanctions against Lebanon and no special export license requirements apply, we are aware that the restrictions make it harder for U.S. commercial interests to compete for business in Lebanon, but a growing number of U.S. companies do successfully conduct business in Lebanon, usually through partnership agreements. Our Embassy commercial section and our Ambassador also make every effort to be of assistance. We are advocating forcefully on behalf of U.S. business on several major projects. Our colleagues at the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture, the Exim Bank and other agencies are actively supporting U.S. business efforts in Lebanon. The United States remains one of the major exporters of products into Lebanon. Much remains to be done to restore Lebanon's infrastructure and fully revive its economy. We are pleased that the government is beginning to focus on reconstruction and rehabilitation outside the Beirut area. On the other hand, we are troubled by recent Lebanese legislation restricting the import of agricultural and other products.

We look forward to the day when the security situation in Lebanon will have improved to the point that all travel restrictions can be lifted. More importantly, we look forward to the day

when Lebanon, at peace with her neighbors and free of all foreign forces, resumes her traditional place in the Middle East.

Mr. Chairman, this concludes our statement. We would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.

Statement
of

Congressman Ray LaHood (R-IL)
before the

House Committee on International Relations

Hearing on U.S. Policy Toward Lebanon

June 25, 1997

Distinguished Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee, as one who is proud to claim Lebanese ancestry, it is truly an honor to have the opportunity to speak on travel to Lebanon. As I am sure you are all aware, travel to Lebanon has been banned by the U.S. State Department since 1987. And, only two other countries--Iraq and Libya--have received travel bans from the State Department. Including Lebanon on the same list as Iraq and Libya is clearly unjustified.

In 1995, I visited Lebanon and the village of Itoo, the hometown of many of my relatives. As I traveled through Lebanon, I was able to see the progress that Lebanon has made since the end of its civil war, as well as to gauge the impact that the travel ban has had on that country.

The civil war that the Lebanese people had to endure began in 1975. Indeed, according to Congressional Quarterly, the majority of the Lebanese people were not even involved in the fighting, but most were, unfortunately, victims. The fighting that took place in Lebanon in 1975 and 1976 largely occurred between rival militia groups, who were vying for control of the country's political system. As the rival groups battled each other, some of the fighting inevitably spilled over, destroying many of the buildings and

much of the infrastructure of the Lebanese countryside.

During my visit to Lebanon, I experienced firsthand the rebirth and reawakening that is currently sweeping through the country. This rebirth follows a period of civil war and fighting that, according to the Congressional Research Service, left more than 100,000 persons dead and another 200,000 wounded. In addition, the war, at one time or another, produced nearly 1million refugees, which translates to roughly one-third of Lebanon's total population of 3 million. Yet, despite these years of violence, war and civil strife, the spirit of the Lebanese people has not been broken--the people are committed to the task of rebuilding their country.

More importantly, the years of bloodshed are finally behind the Lebanese people. Though once home to foreign terrorist groups, the Lebanese people have largely eradicated them from their homeland. In fact, in the past six years, not a single American has been killed or injured due to terrorism in Lebanon.

Today, Lebanon is moving toward a bright and better future. And, if the future of Lebanon is to be a bright one, and if the people of Lebanon are to be successful in their rebuilding efforts, then they will need the aid of foreign investment--particularly, American investment.

Though the devastation caused by the civil war still remains fresh in the minds of many Lebanese, there has already been tremendous efforts to rebuild the infrastructure of the country. If you travel to Beirut, you will see new buildings and businesses rising up all over the city. Slowly, Beirut is beginning to rebuild itself, and hopefully, one day it will be able to reclaim its status as the "Paris of the Middle East."

An infusion of foreign capital has already aided in the rebuilding efforts, and would greatly help to provide a solid foundation for the growing and expanding Lebanese economy. However, the current travel ban prevents Americans from offering financial investment and assistance to Lebanon. We must not allow this to continue. The Lebanese people have committed themselves to rebuilding their country--the question we must answer, is “Are we willing to participate in this rebuilding?"

The travel ban not only hinders economic development, but it also locks American businesses out of a market that has enormous potential. Every day that the travel ban remains in effect means another day in which American companies lose out on business and investment opportunities. The State Department's travel ban essentially allows foreign competitors, of which there are many, to establish a foothold in Lebanon, while the American companies are forced out of the picture entirely.

One only has to look at the numbers to see the effect that the travel ban is having on U.S. investment opportunities. In 1995, nearly two-and-one-half billion foreign dollars were invested in the Lebanese economy. By contrast, only $12.5 million of that figure was from the United States, and that amount was from a U.S. grant.

Missed economic assistance and lost investment opportunities, however, are not the only negative consequences of the travel ban. Those that are, perhaps, most affected by the travel ban are Lebanese-Americans who are prohibited from visiting their friends and family in Lebanon. Currently, there is no legal way for U.S. citizens to visit friends and family in Lebanon, and it is very difficult to receive a waiver or exemption from the State Department in order to travel there.