U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, visited the Port of Beirut today, a day after his visit to Électricité du Liban ( EDL ), where he inspected the progress of work and technical equipment, especially the “scanners”.
In statements he made from inside the port, Issa expressed his happiness with the technology used, saying: “It’s like I’m living in America… something to be proud of,” stressing his country’s readiness to provide support and provide all the technologies the port needs.
He explained that the “scanners” have started working “after we waited a long time,” noting that the purpose of the visit is to “know the needs and how assistance can be provided.”
He confirmed that the pace of work is proceeding quickly, and that the operation of the “scanners” puts the port “at a global level,” expressing his pride in being at the port.
The U.S. ambassador stressed the need for the port to return to normal operation, saying: “The money must return to the state treasury, and there must be no smuggling,” stressing that “scanners” are necessary for the operation of any port, and announcing his readiness “to inspect any place that must be inspected.”
Issa also affirmed that the United States “wants to support the Lebanese army and all Lebanese interests,” pointing to the importance of the state regaining its authority, and that the profits of the Port of Beirut be protected from looting and theft.
