Foreign relations of Lebanon

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Lebanon

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The foreign policy of Lebanon reflects its geographic location, the composition of its population, and its reliance on commerce and trade. Lebanon's foreign policy is heavily influenced by Syria. The framework for relations was first codified in May 1991, when Lebanon and Syria signed a treaty of mutual cooperation. This treaty came out of the Taif Agreement, which stipulated that "Lebanon is linked to Syria by distinctive ties deriving strength from kinship, history, and common interests." The Lebanese-Syria treaty calls for "coordination and cooperation between the two countries" that would serve the "interests of the two countries within the framework of sovereignty and independence of each." Numerous agreements on political, economic, security, and judicial affairs have followed over the years.

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[edit] Multilateral relations

[edit] European Union

Lebanon concluded negotiations on an association agreement with the European Union in late 2001, and both sides initialed the accord in January 2002. Lebanon also has bilateral trade agreements with several Arab states and is in the process of accession to the World Trade Organization.

[edit] Arab world

Lebanon traditionally enjoys warm relations with other pro-Western Arab states. At various times, however, it has seen tension with Egypt, Syria, Iraq, the Palestinians, and Libya. In March 2002, in honor of the expulsion of Israeli troops from the South of the country, the Arab League met in Lebanon for the first time since 1967. Lebanon also is a member of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference. Hizbullah maintains a close relationship with Iran, largely centered on Shi'a Muslim links and animosity towards Israel.

[edit] Pakistan

[edit] Bilateral relations

Foreign Diplomats The critical relationship with the U.S. is headed by Ambassador Farid Abboud [1]. Ambassador Abboud was the U.S. [2]

Disputes - international: Israeli troops in southern Lebanon between June 1982 and May 2000; Syrian troops in northern, central, and eastern Lebanon since October 1976 at Lebanese government request. Syrian troops left in April of 2005. Lebanon claims Israeli controlled Shebaa Farms in southern Syria.

Illicit drugs: inconsequential producer of hashish; some heroin processing mostly in the Bekaa valley; a Lebanese/Syrian eradication campaign started in the early 1990s has practically eliminated the opium and cannabis crops. A 2002/2003 campaign has eliminated nearly all hashish production

The Lebanese Government was instrumental in the thwarting of a terrorist plot on the US. Al- Queda terrorist had planned to attack the transit tunnels under the Hudson River in New York. The FBI was aided in arresting and obtaining the confession from Assem Hammoud on April 27, 2006.

Template:Bilateral relations of Lebanon

[edit] See also

[edit] References and footnotes

  • Eisenberg, Laura Zittrain; Caplan, Neil (1998). Negotiating Arab-Israeli Peace: Patterns, Problems, Possibilities. Indiana University Press. ISBN 0-253-21159-X. 
  • Schiff, Ze'ev; Ya'ari , Ehud (1984). Israel's Lebanon War. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0-671-47991-1. 
  • Shlaim, Avi (2001). The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World. W. W. Norton & Company. ISBN 0-393-32112-6. 
  1. ^ [http://ambassadorabboud.blogspot.com Farid Abboud]
  2. ^ Farid Abboud in Washington

[edit] External links

Representations of foreign nations in Lebanon

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Flag of Lebanon Foreign relations of Lebanon
Bilateral: Armenia • Australia • Canada • France • Israel • United States •
Multilateral: United Nations