Shea bids farewell to Lebanese leaders as embassy staff make their return

Dorothy Shea, the outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, has been engaging in farewell meetings with various Lebanese leaders as her diplomatic tenure in the country comes to an end.

On Wednesday, Shea met with Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi. Following this, on Thursday, she visited Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea in Maarab.

Reports indicate that Shea will leave Lebanon on December 29. She will be succeeded by the newly-appointed ambassador, Lisa Johnson, who will serve as charge d’affaires. Johnson’s role will continue until a new Lebanese president is elected, to whom she can present her credentials.

The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon had earlier announced a return to “normal staffing and presence,” signifying the comeback of U.S. government employees and their family members to Lebanon. This return follows their earlier departure due to escalating border clashes in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Despite this reinstatement of staff, the embassy continues to maintain a Level 4 Travel Advisory, advising U.S. citizens against traveling to Lebanon.

Additionally, the U.S. Embassy has resumed issuing full-validity passports and is now offering all routine services to American citizens. It has also recommenced regular processing for nonimmigrant and immigrant visas.