Lebanese President Welcomes Washington's Decision to Lift Air Transport Restrictions

Beirut, October 10 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed on Saturday U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to revoke executive orders imposing restrictions on air transport with Lebanon, affirming that it reflects confidence in the security and precautionary measures undertaken by the Lebanese state. The Lebanese presidency quoted Aoun as saying in a statement that this decision constitutes a “positive indicator” that enhances the safety of civil aviation and protects air navigation to and from Beirut, opening avenues to strengthen the security of flights connecting Lebanon with various countries around the world.

Aoun expressed his gratitude to the U.S. president for his swift response and the executive steps taken, following discussions held between them at the White House last July, during which Trump directed the resumption of air traffic and issued instructions to U.S. airlines to resume their flights to Beirut. He also commended the efforts of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his follow-up on the file of lifting restrictions and resuming air traffic to Beirut.

Aoun stressed Lebanon’s strong commitment to prioritizing the safety of civil aviation and the security of Rafic Hariri International Airport, and its dedication to continuing the implementation of necessary measures in accordance with internationally accepted standards, thereby enhancing confidence in official state institutions. The Lebanese president expressed his hope that this step would contribute to revitalizing air transport and facilitating communication with the outside world, and serve as a gateway to strengthening the prospects for bilateral cooperation between Lebanon and the United States in various fields.

Earlier, the U.S. president signed an official order abolishing restrictions on air transport between the United States and Lebanon, paving the way for the resumption of direct flights between the two countries after a ban lasting more than 40 years. Under the order, signed by the U.S. president on September 30 and published yesterday, four previous executive orders dating back to 1985, 1992, 1998, and 2007 were revoked. Trump considered that these restrictions were no longer necessary to protect aircraft bound for or departing from Lebanon from the risk of “unlawful seizure.” (End) F.Z. / T.M.A.