During his visit to Cleveland, Ohio, as part of his ongoing U.S. tour, Kataeb MP Elias Hankach delivered an optimistic message about Lebanon’s future, commending the country’s recent political developments and the vital role of the Lebanese diaspora in supporting Lebanon during challenging times.

Hankach, who attended a dinner hosted by the Kataeb’s Cleveland Chapter, expressed profound gratitude for the Lebanese diaspora’s unwavering support, with a particular emphasis on the critical role of Lebanese expatriates in the United States. He highlighted their involvement in national elections, financial contributions to charities, advocacy with U.S. officials on Lebanon’s behalf, and investments in Lebanon as key factors that helped the country endure its most difficult years.

“Without the expatriates, particularly those in the United States, and your participation in national matters, your donations to charities, your connections with U.S. officials, and your investments and remittances, the Lebanese people would not have survived the past years, and Lebanon would not have emerged from the dark tunnel," Hankach said.

The MP also shared encouraging news regarding Lebanon’s political progress. He announced that Lebanon had entered a new phase of state-building, following the election of Joseph Aoun as President and the appointment of Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister. He pointed to the formation of a new government made up of specialists and experts, the announcement of key security appointments, and the commencement of administrative and judicial appointments as crucial steps toward stabilizing the country.

“I bring you today the news of Lebanon’s liberation and the beginning of a new phase in state-building,” Hankach declared, referencing the recent political achievements in Lebanon.

Hankach further emphasized that the full implementation of international resolutions, the ceasefire agreement, the constitution, and the extension of state authority across all Lebanese territory were essential steps to ensure Lebanon’s future stability and prosperity.

The event was attended by several community leaders, including Father Patrick Kassab, priest of the Maronite parish in Cleveland; Shukri Al-Maasari, Head of the Kataeb’s U.S. Region; Najib Rashed, President of the Lebanese American Christian Association in Cleveland; George Kanaan, Head of the Kataeb's Cleveland Chapter; Fares Alama, President of the American Druze Foundation; Pierre Bejjani, President of the Lebanese American Cultural Association; and representatives from the Lebanese Forces Center in Cleveland.