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CLAO
Founded in 1989 to
serve the USA and Lebanon.
THE COUNCIL OF LEBANESE AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS
E-mail: clao@clao.com
1-888-4 CLAO 89
Internet: www.clao.com
April 11,
2005
CLAO Conference With PM
Gen. Aoun
Largest Gathering Ever In The
History of Lebanese-Americans
28 Cities In 17 States
In an unprecedented show of its widespread affiliations across the United
States, the Council of Lebanese American Organizations (CLAO), held a
conference call yesterday with His Excellency Prime Minister General
Michel Aoun at 3:30 PM ET. Participating in the conference call were 28
local cities, from 17 States: Los Angeles, California; Edison, New Jersey;
New York, New York; Washington, DC; Meriden, Connecticut; West Chester,
Pennsylvania; Raleigh, North Carolina; Charlotte, North Carolina; CLAO
Students Committee, USA; Atlanta, Georgia; Birmingham, Alabama; Cleveland,
Ohio; Bridge To Lebanon, USA; Alexandria, Virginia; Fort Lauderdale,
Florida; Indianapolis, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois; Austin, Texas; El Paso,
Texas; Houston, Texas; Dallas, Texas; Sugarland, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona;
Las Vegas, Nevada; San Francisco, California; San Diego, California;
Youngstown, Ohio and Tampa, Florida.
The call started with CLAO chairman, Mr. Elie Najm, introducing PM Aoun
and describing the unrelenting efforts of CLAO membership to further the
cause of freedom and democracy in Lebanon.
PM Aoun’s opening remark offered a brief retrospective on the long
struggle of 15 years that culminated into a withdrawal of Syrian
Occupation Forces. He emphasized how organizing the Lebanese Diaspora was
crucial in making this a reality. He then went to acknowledge the efforts
of CLAO and other Lebanese Americans in lobbying for the passage of the
Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Act. He continued by
stating that the “day of return and reunion”, in reference to PM Aoun’s
return home to a jubilant Lebanon, is set for May 7 and encouraged
everyone to participate in this historic day. He also vowed to push forth
for the institution of a framework by which Lebanese immigrants can
participate in future parliamentary elections via electronic absentee
balloting as an essential mechanism to allow Lebanese immigrants to be an
integral part of charting Lebanon’ s future.
The address was followed by a question and answer session, in which all of
the local organizations participated. The questions addressed all issues
such as the reform plans after the return, the upcoming elections, working
with the opposition, political feudalism, the modernization of the
political system, UN resolution 1559 and the Taef agreement, and many
other current issues and events. The call concluded with CLAO Chairman,
Mr. Elie Najm thanking PM Aoun and a warm round of applause. |
