Thursday, January 5, 2012

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Mr. Walid Maalouf was the Master of Ceremonies at the luncheon held in honor of Sister Mary Michel Boulus, former President of Sacred Heart College, at the Sisters of Mercy campus in Belmont, North Carolina. Representing His Excellency President Michel Sleiman, the Ambassador of Lebanon to the United States His Excellency Antoine Chedid bestowed on Sister Michel a presidential recognition. Several dignitaries, members of the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Mary Michel Boulus' family and former Lebanese students attended the event coming from around the United States. In his remarks Mr. Maalouf spoke of Sister Michel's generosity toward needy Lebanese students and her pride in her heritage (click for remarks). After the luncheon Sister Michel, the Ambassador and the former students visited a cedar tree planted 26 years ago in her honor (click for pictures). Several media outlet covered the event including the Catholic News Herald (click for article).

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Saer Al Mashrek publishing house launched The Road to 1559 - Lebanon at the Core of the George W. Bush Administration at an organized event in the alumni building of the Sagess High School in Ashrafieh, Beirut. Several dignitaries and politicians attended the event including Deputy Fadi Al-Haber, representing former President Amine Gemayel; Deputies Joseph Anis Maalouf and Nadim Gemayel; former US Ambassador to Lebanon Vincent Battle; Dr. Daoud Sayegh, advisor to former Prime Minister Saad Hariri; Dr. George Eid representing the President of the Lebanese Forces Party; Dr. Samir Geagea; Mrs. Rita Germanos representing the president of the National Bloc; Mr. Carlos Edde; Mr. Ahmad Al-Asaad, President of the Lebanese Option Party; Mr. Camille Dory Chamoun, Member of the Executive Committee of the National Liberal Party; and many mayors, chieftains and former ambassadors.

After the welcoming words from Mr. Walid Maalouf, former Alternate Representative of the US to the 58th General Assembly of the United Nations, the moderator of the event, journalist Charles Jabbour took the stage introducing the new book and the panelists, and talking about the circumstances that produced 1559 wondering why the March 14 gathering is quiet about it (click for remarks). He was followed by Dr. Fares Souaid, Secretary General of the March 14 gathering (click for remarks), Journalist Ali Hamade, Member of the Political Bureau of the Future Movement, journalist Mohammad Salam (click for remarks) and author Stephen Kaufman. The event was covered by several media outlets. (click for pictures)

January 1 - August 2011

In late January Mr. Maalouf made a 4-day official visit to San Salvador. He met with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, Justice & Security and Economy. He also visited with the Secretary to the President Mr. Hoto Hasbun, Member of Parliament Jorge Shafic Handal, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and El Salvador Chamber of Commerce (click for pictures). On March 14, 2011 he participated in the gathering on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC honoring the Cedar Revolution. On May 18th he made a presentation at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy titled "US Public Diplomacy and the Arab Spring" (click for speech). On June 17th Mr. Maalouf visited with the new Maronite Patriarch, His Beatitude Mar Beshara Al-Rai in Bkerkeh to congratulate him in assuming the helm of the Maronite-Catholic Church and on June 23rd he visited with the President of Lebanon His Excellency Michel Sleiman. While in Lebanon he met with Dr. Fares Souaid, Secretary General of March 14, Deputies George Adwan, Mohamad Hajjar, Sami Gemayel, Joseph Maalouf and Antoine Zahra. He also visited with Dr. Daoud Sayegh, Advisor to Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Mr. Eid Shadrawi, President of the World Lebanese Cultural Union and General Issam Abou Jamra, Former Deputy Prime Minister. On July 20 he spoke at the opening ceremony of the Worldwide Lebanese International Conference at the Four Seasons Hotel (click for speech) (click for pictures). Mr. Maalouf was a guest on "Kalam Beirut" on Future TV and on the Voice of Lebanon "Al-Mahkameh" program.

July 1 - December 31, 2010

On October 1, 2010 Mr. & Mrs. Maalouf hosted a farewell dinner in honor of Archbishop Ciryl Bustros, Eparch of the Melkite in the United States at their home in Arlington as he prepares to become the Archbishop of Beirut. Several leaders from the Lebanese American community and the diplomatic community attend the dinner including the Ambassador of the Vatican Archbishop Pierto Sambi. On October 3rd Mr. Maalouf traveled to Lebanon to visit with his constituency in the Shouf. While in Lebanon, the Maalouf Foundation organized on October 17th a gathering for a delegation of the Maalouf family at his home in Kfarkatra attend by influential Maaloufs including Deputy Joseph Maalouf of Zahleh and former Deputy Camille Maalouf of Niha. Mr. Maalouf visited with Dr. Samir Geagea, Chairman of the Lebanese Forces Party, with whom he discussed the neutrality of the Lebanese territories and the dire needs in his Shouf district. Mr. Maalouf, also attended the inauguration of the statue of the late President Camille Chamoun in Deir El-Kamar and the memorial Mass for Danny Chamoun and his family. He met with the President of the National Liberal Party Mr. Dory Chamoun and Mr. Camille Dory Chamoun, member of the party's executive committee. In an effort to know seasoned politicians Mr. Maalouf had the privilege of meeting former Minister and Deputy Edmond Rizk who has in-depth knowledge of the Taif accord and its relation to UNSC resolution 1559. Accompanied by Sheikh Charles Chidiac, Mr. Maalouf had an interesting meeting with former Deputy Prime Minister Issam Boujamra with whom he discussed the latest developments. Mr. Maalouf was a guest on Kalam Beirut, Future TV with Roula H. Kassab, he was also interviewed in Alwatan Alarabi and Al-Rafik magazine commemorating the 66th birthday of martyr Rafik Hariri. Upon his return to the US, on November 4th, Mr. Maalouf was a guest on BBC World News Arabic to discuss the mid-term elections and how the Republican win will affect the internal agenda of President Barack Obama. (click for interview) 

January 1 - June 30, 2010

Mr. Maalouf hosted a meeting for Lebanese Americans intellect with the National Security Council at his office's board room in Washington DC in April. Several leaders attend the meeting including Cor-Bishop Seelly Beggiani, Professor Marios Deeb of John Hopkins University, Walid Maalouf and others with Ms. Hagar Hajjar and discussed the threats that is facing Lebanon from the Iranian Israeli conflicts and the international community concerns regarding Iran's nuclear developments and its affect on Lebanon's stability and economic improvements. The Lebanese American delegation urged the Obama Administration to either consider a strategy of neutrality for Lebanon or an international conference to support Lebanon's sovereign territory, the rules of law and shield Lebanon from any expected war. In May Mr. Maalouf visited Lebanon and spent all his time in his Shouf district following-up on his constituency needs. He celebrated the feast of the Ascension, a tradition in his family for more than a hundred years. Several mayors and chieftains of several towns, the people of his hometown Kfarkatra and the Massoud Antoune Maalouf family attend the mass. Bishop Elie Haddad, Archbishop George Haddad and several priests from the Maronite and Melkite rights celebrated the High Mass. He also visited former President Amin Gemayal at his Kataeb headquarters in Seify in downtown Beirut where he discussed the urgency on working on the neutrality for Lebanon as the best defense strategy. Upon his return to his Washington office Mr. Maalouf met with Deputy Nadim Gemayel and discussed Gemayel's trip to the United Nations and to the Nation's capital. 

December 1 - 22, 2009

Mr. Maalouf visited Lebanon in the month of December to follow-up on some of his work with the Shouf constituencies. As soon as he arrived in Lebanon he received Shoufiest citizens from Brih, Batloun, Deir-Durite, Mristy, Amik, Sheheem, Ain Wzein and El-Wadaya. While in Beirut Mr. Maalouf established the Lebanese Emigrant Renaissance Partnership with four Lebanese citizens as its steering committee to become the headquarters of all Renaissance partnerships around the world. He confirmed with the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce the upcoming LARP conference at the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut on December 6-8, 2010. He also was part of the American Task Force for Lebanon's delegation that visited with the President, Prime Minister, Chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces, Ministers of Interior and Foreign Affairs in a political fact finding mission to Lebanon. Mr. Maalouf responded to several media inquiries regarding his opinion about the ongoing debate on UNSC resolution 1559. Mr. Maalouf stated clearly that no one in the world can reverse or eliminate this resolution, however the Syrian regime is trying to erase it in order to return its military occupation to Lebanon. Several websites have published those interviews, including Annahar newspaper. (click for articles)

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Mr. Walid Maalouf spoke on the Foreign Image of the United States to the Park Scholarships Scholars, class of 2012 from North Carolina State University at the Pew Research Center in Washington DC. More than 60 students, faculty and staff attended the conference as part of their trip to the nation's capital to explore the basic operations of the United States government and its foreign policy. Mr. Maalouf was introduced by Scholar Mathew Authement and entertained questions from the audience following his presentation. (Click for remarks)

Monday, June 1 - 8, 2009

In his last week campaigning, Walid Maalouf visited with the Spiritual Leader of the Druze in Baakleen Sheik Mohamad Jawad Waleeddine and discussed unity, prosperity and the return of all the displaced to the Shouf. Mr. Maalouf gave an interview to the Voice of American TV where he discussed the elections and his views on several political issues. He was a speaker at the Academic & Technical School in Dora before a Shoufists audience from different towns and villages. Mr. Maalouf hosted a dinner the eve of the elections at his residence in Kfarkatra for all his delegates, friends, family and supporters as a thank you for all the work and the volunteering they offered throughout the last 5 months of his campaign. On Election Day Mr. Maalouf visited more than 30 voting centers and thanked the authorities and the delegates of his opponents for the good spirit in managing their voting centers.

Mr. Maalouf worked nonstop since he landed in Beirut on February 15th. He visited more than 95 towns, villages and cities of the Shouf. He appeared on three talk shows and spoke of his campaign, his views and vision for a new Lebanon. He was interviewed in three major US newspapers: The New York Times, The Miami Herald Tribune and the Washington Diplomat. He was not offered any prime time spot on Lebanese TV and he was not covered accordingly in the Lebanese newspapers. His press conference in Kfarkatra was not covered at all by any TV stations while all TVs were represented at the conference. He did not have delegates at each voting center (385) like his opponents. He did not raise millions of dollars like his opponents. He did not have billboard except 20 large pictures in major roads to the Shouf placed in private properties. Three of them disappeared and had several minor incidents in not allowing the LibanPost to deliver the brochures in some towns. We sent two complaints of those incidents and the lack of media coverage to the Lebanese Election Authorities, LADE and the European Union election team observers. He was interviewed twice by the European Union observers at his residence in Kfarkatra. With all the above Mr. Walid Maalouf made it on the map of the Shouf with 1.4% of the votes. He gathered 1000 votes. The slate of Joumblatt won with its 8 deputies. 90000 people voted: the winners with 62000 votes, and the losers from the Aoun slate with 27000 votes. Big differences as you see. 

Monday, May 25 - 31, 2009

Mr. Walid Maalouf was a guest on MTV on May 26th on a program called "before the news" hosted by Mr. Antoine Saad. The discussions were about the US policies in the Middle East and in particular toward Lebanon, also the elections and Mr. Maalouf's views, perspectives and hope for a better Lebanon. Mr. Maalouf had a press conference at his home in Kfarkatra which was attended by several TV stations but none put it on their nightly news. Mr. Maalouf spoke about the return of the Shoufist to Brih, the hospital in Deir El-Kamar which is not built yet, the roads in Deir-Durite, Wady El-Site, El-Bireh, El Meoush and the road from Deir El-Kamar to Kfarkatra and other development issues. He and his team visited His Eminence Patriarch Mar-Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir, Patriarch of the Maronite in Bkerkeh to brief him on his findings in the Shouf for the last five months. The Patriarch listened carefuly and promised to follow-up on some of the pressing issues - - in particular the hospital in Deir El-Kamar.

This week Mr. Maalouf visited constituents in Niha, Ainwzein, Beit El-Dine, Deir El-Kamar, Rmayleh, Kfarnise, Maaser Beit El-Dine, Baakline, Nabeh El-Safa and Atreen. He received at his home in Sin El-Fil the candidate of Zahleh Mr. Joseph Saab Maalouf and he visited with Seik Ali Zeinedine of the Arfan organizations in Bakaata and the President of the Sagess University in the tahweta, Father Youssef Merhige, who is from Majed El-Meoush. He ended his week attending a large gathering of the elders and who's who in the Maalouf family nationwide in support of his bid to parliament hosted by Mr. Nassif Ammoury Maalouf.

Monday, May 18 - 24, 2009

Mr. Walid Maalouf is taping on "Saout Libnan" in a program called "Min Dafaterehoum" which will air every day at 1:30pm for 10 minutes from June 8-15. Al-Mustakbal TV sent a photographer to take pictures of our candidate to be used in a documentary program about the 2009 candidates that will be aired prior to the elections. Mr. Maalouf visited with Mr. Walid Barakat, the advisor of Mir Talal Arslan, at the Ministry of Youth and discussed the elections in the Shouf. Mr. Maalouf received at his residence Ambassador Nicola Birak of the United Nations who is from Barouk. Mr. Maalouf was a guest on Studio 24 at the Future TV on May 21st discussing the Shouf elections and challenged the other two Melkite candidates for a debate on TV.

The election event which was organized by the campaign committee at Saint Georges Church Hall in Ain El-Remani was well attended. Mr. Maalouf was introduced by media personality Pierre Atallah who spoke about the work of the immigrants in the salvation of Lebanon and the major role played by Mr. Maalouf. A former candidate from the Shouf Mr. Nabil Moushantaf spoke of his committment to help Mr. Maalouf win his election bid.

Mr. Maalouf visited several constituencies in the Shouf including Kfarnice where he attend Church service at Saint Elias Church and was invited to meet the town elders at the municipality where he was received warmly. Mr. Maalouf made a surprising visit to the town of Brih to which the Christians of the town have not returned since the displacement in 1983 and met with the Druze cheiftam (Mouktar). There are several issues at stake in this village and no one from the 8 representatives in parliament including the Ministry of Displacement have worked a roadmap for their return. This is a shame that yet the Christian of Brih are still ignored. Mr. Maalouf is working on a solution which he will present to the two committees as soon as he meets with the Cheiftan (Mouktar) of the Christians in Beirut. Mr. Maalouf ended his weekly campaign in attending a dinner in support of the "Mahabby School" in Kafrnabrakh and at a luncheon in honor of Dory Chamoun, a Maronite Candidate of the Shouf at the home of his cousin Mr. Fady Maalouf which was attended by all the families of Kfarkatra.

Monday, May 11 - 17, 2009

The Sheiftans (Makhatir) of Damour, Kfarhim, Mazrat el-Daher and Brih met with Mr. Walid Maalouf in Beirut and Kfarkatra to disuss his public event on Friday, May 22nd at the Church Hall of Saint George in Ain El-Remani. He gave the Washington Diplomat a phone interview for the June issue which will be publsihed by May 29th and available in their Washington DC newstands.

He visited the candidate from Jbeil Nazem El-Khoury and Arshbishop Beshara El-Raee in the presence of Consul Antoine Zougheib of Amsheet and Dr. Issam Harfoud, senior advisor of the campaign. In those meetings the election and the new ideas Mr. Maalouf is implementing in his election campaign which are used for the first time in Lebanon were discussed. He attended a luncheon at the Military Yarzi Club hosted by retired General Shehadeh Maalouf for the senior members of the Maalouf family nationwide.

On the campiagn trail Mr. Maalouf visited several families in Shehim, Barja, Kfarnabrah, Barouk, Remayli, Jadra and Fraidees. He attended the fundraising event in support of our Lady of Mazrat El-Daher and received several constituents from the Shouf at his open house in Kfarkatra on Sunday.

Monday, May 4 - May 10, 2009
 
The launching of the National Political and Economic Platform of the Walid Maalouf Campaign was attended by several Mayors and Shieftans (Makhatires) from the Shouf district at the Phoenicia Hotel. Also attending were Mr. Nadi Ghosn representing Dr. Samir Geaogea, Mrs. Najat Rached, Director at the Lebanese Cooperative Center and Shieftan (Moukhtar) of Kfarkatra Mr. Nabil Abi Nassif. The event was hosted by the Lebanese Press Club and the President of the Club Mr. Youssef Al-Howayek opened the ceremony with a minute of silence for all those who have parished for the cause of free, independent and soveriegn Lebanon.   Mr. El-Howayek introduced Mr. Maalouf as a man who has never abandoned Lebanon, a strong man who makes decisions and the son of the mountains. After Mr. Maalouf's presentation he took several questions from the media and the attendees. The press confrence was followed by a reception.
 
On the same day Mr. Maalouf was a guest at LBC "Badi Saoutak" for 45 minutes. You can watch the interview at the Walid Maalouf Foundation / Elections 2009 website and go to videos www.walidmaalouffoundation.org.lb.  More than 200 emails and calls we received praising Mr. Malouf's straight-forward answers and his plan for a better Shouf. 
 
Throughout this week Mr. Maalouf visited his constituencies in Wadi El-Deir, El-Meoush, El-Barook, El-Fridise and ended the week with a presentation at his home in Kfarkatra that was attend by the townspeople, several surrounding towns in the upper Shouf and the independent candidate Sheik Iyad Abdallah, where he discussed his National Political and Economic Platform in a series of public speaking events around the Shouf and Beirut.

Monday, April 27 - May 3, 2009

After the New York Times interview with Mr. Walid Maalouf, the same article was published in the Miami Herald Tribune. Several international media outlets have contacted Mr. Maalouf upon reading the New York Times and showed intrest in covering his campaign. Mr. Maalouf met with the Lebanese Elections authorities at the Minsitry of Interior with his media senior advisor Dr. Issam Harfousch. The election authorities questioned the lack of coverage by the Lebanese media for his campaign and yet happy to follow his campaign news in western media. Moreover, Mr. Maalouf met with Information Minister Dr. Tarek Mitri to discuss the lack of coverage of his campaign based on the elction laws. He also relayed the developmentprojects that were never implemented in the Shouf and the many problems that face his constituencies and asked Minister Mitri to pass it on to the Prime Minister. 
 
In his continuing efforts to meet with Shouf constituencies, Mr. Maalouf met with former candidate for the Melkite seat in the Shouf Mr. Ghassan Moughabghab in the presence of Mayor of Ain Zhalta Mr. Edward Moughabghab. Mr. Maalouf visited with the two independent candidates from the Shouf Dr. Nabil Oueidat and Sheik Iaad Abdallah at their residences in Chehime in the oresence of Mr. Maalouf top advisors Dr. Issam Harfousch and Mr. Toni Younes. Throughout this week Mr. Maalouf had freqent visits to Damour, Chehim, Barja, Deir El-Kamar, Deir-Durite, Kfarkatra and attended the inauguration of Saint Georges Melkite-Catholic Church in Sarjbal.

Following the Press Conference on May 4, 2009, the Campaign is organizing two public events: On May 10, 2009 at the home of Mr. Maalouf in Kfarkatra at 5:00 pm for the surrounding towns to discuss his development projects for the Shouf; and on May 22, 2009 at 7:00 pm at Saint Georges Church hall in Ain El-Remani for the Shoufits living in the greater Beirut areas. Mr. Maalouf will appear on LBC's "Baddi Saoutak" program at 3:00 pm to disuss his National and Political Platform.

Monday, April 13 - April 26, 2009

In separate meetings Mr. Walid Maalouf met with former Ministers Joseph El-Hachem and Naji Boustani, also met with former Deputy George Dib Nehmeh. They all are from the Shouf and were very supportive of the Maalouf campaign and encouraging of the steps taken by Mr. Maalouf in his candidacy in the Shouf. Mr. Maalouf met with several priests and leaders in several towns in the Shouf and the Ikleem. He was received warmly in Deir El-Kamar, Deir Duriet, Wadi Bmehlay, Aanout, Wadi El-Deir, Serjbaal, Almihtekra, Joun, Lemtouleh, Elzarourieh, Mazraat El-Daher and Alman. He also made frequent visits this week to his hometown of Kfarkatra, where he received constituencies from Bater, Shehim and Niha. He also attended and particiapted in a fundraising dinner for the Maronite Church in Lemtouleh.    
  
In prior weeks Mr. Maalouf visited Amik, Lekneisseh, El-Fouara, Kfarnabrahk, Ainbaal, Deir Lemkhales, Mar-Abda and Deir Mar Maroun. This week saw the beginning of the home delivery of the campaign brochure; and invitations to the press conference also have been sent out. We take this opportunity to invite you to participate, as well, in the upcoming press conference of Mr. Maalouf at the Phoenicia hotel on May 4th at 10:30 am to discuss his National Political and Economic Platform. Please see attached invitation.

Mr. Maalouf lectured at the Institute for Migration Studies at the Lebananese American University the Beirut campus about the economic and political role of Lebanon's Diaspora. In his presentation he spoke about the background on the Lebanese migration to the United States, its economic aspects in the US and Lebanon, and the political implications and the role of the Lebanese Americans on a free, independent and secure Lebanon.   

He also gave the New York Times an interview which was published on April 23, 2009 reported by Robert Worth. Following is an excerpt: "Candidates who do not ally themselves with a powerful patronage machine are almost unheard of here. Walid Maalouf, a banker who worked briefly as a diplomat while living in the United States, is running an independent campaign on a shoestring budget, barnstorming from town to town in his mountain district. He says most people in the villages tell him he is the only politician who bothers to visit them. They are grateful, but he does not offer cash or patronage, and they are unsure what to think of him. Recently, Mr. Maalouf said, he was trying to explain to a village leader that he should think of candidates as employees, not patrons — someone they would hire to represent them effectively in the government. “He looked at me,” Mr. Maalouf recalled, “and then he said, ‘Go back to America." 

Monday, April 6 - April 12, 2009

Our future deputy Walid Maalouf will host a press conference at the Phoenicia Hotel in Carthage Hall on Monday May 4, 2009 at 10:30 am to announce his National Political and Economic Platform, the conference is organized by Lebanon Press Club. The motto of the conference is "with your vote you will return the emigrants" in Arabic is "Bsoutak Betrage3 Elmeghterbeen". Please see the attached invitation. .

Mr. Maalouf has been campaigning throughout the Shouf introducing himself and his ideas for a better economy and well-being for the Shoufist. He has been received warmly. Several received him with "Radat Zajalieh". We hope to email it to you in our next brief.  He visited with the "Kaem Makam" of the Shouf District Mr. George Salibi at his headquarters in Beit El-Dine. Mr. Maalouf attend with Minister of Interior H.E. Ziad Baroud a conference on the June 2009 Elections: Issues and Challanges at the Phoenicia hotel organized by several non-governmental organizations. Mr. Maalouf raised three issues regarding the upcoming elections. 1) The media in Lebanon is not paying any attention to independent candidates. They are asking for huge amounts of money for interviews. 2) The election ballott is not finalized and printed by the elections authority, it is printed by the candidate. Ballots throughout the whole world are organized and finalized by election authorities except in Lebanon. 3) The election law is not available in hard copies at the district headquarters until 10 days before the elections. This is unacceptable. Minister Baroud recognised those issues and he will follow-up on them accordingly.

Mr. Maalouf has always recognized the difficulities of running for a deputy seat, not only in the Shouf but also all over Lebanon . Democracy did not begin in these elections and historically in Lebanon until after all the deals and arrangements took shape between the godfathers in the Lebanese political arena to build their slates all over the country be it March 14 or March 8. On the other hand, it is really surprising for any individual to criticize Mr. Maalouf's efforts, courage and good will in his bid to run in the Shouf. The fact that Walid Maalouf is running is already an acheivement to the silent majority and in particular to the emigrants since Mr. Maalouf is one of us. We would like to remind Lebanese around the world that Mr. Maalouf was the only Lebanese American to stand up for Lebanon in 30 years and for the dignity of the Lebanese people while he was with the American Administration. The facts are there and no one can deny them. We also ask, who is more qualified to be or run for deputy from the emigrants than Mr. Maalouf who has the experience, the diplomacy and the know how?

Mr. Maalouf said in a recent interview: "I want to run as an independent because I do not want to be under anyone's thumb, however I am not independent in my political views and beleif for Lebanon. I am not naive, I am not joking and I have no other plans except to serve my district and my people as I did while at the United Nations. Others have been for decades the long arms in Lebanon for so many regional brockers. I am proud of my record for a free, united, independent and secure Lebanon." 

The Walid Maalouf campaign is in full swing.  Mr. Maalouf visited Sheik Amir Kabalan at the Chiite Higher Council who received him warmly. After being presented with Mr. Maalouf's political and economic program, Sheik Kabalan praised Mr. Maaloufs' efforts and wished him success. It is important to note that Mr. Maalouf is the first candidate from the Shouf to visit the Chiite Higher Council ever, as was noted by one of the seniors at the headquarters in Ghabairy. Mr. Maalouf also visited Sheik Bahjat Ghaith in Aramoun in the presence of Mr. Nabil Moushantaf.

Mr. Maalouf held seperate meetings with the Mayors of Beit El-Dine, Deir El-Kamar, Niha, Ain Zhalat and received constituencies from Wardaniyeh, Kfarkatra, Mtouleh and Batharan. Mr. Maalouf made calls on several residents in Deir El-Kamar, Ain Wazain and attended a large gathering of the constituents of Al-Naameh at the home of Aziz Nadim Matar.

Mr. Maalouf is determind to continue with his candidacy to the very end. He said: "I have been present in the Shouf through the many projects I have initiated while I was living in the States. I have been ever present for all the people of Lebanon through the Lebanese American Renaissance Partnership. On top of that, I have returned with great political sucesses for Lebanon which I will invest in this parliament seat in the Shouf for the intrest of the Shoufists." (click for pictures)

Saturday, March 21 -29, 2009

Walid Maalouf is officially the candidate for the Melkite-Catholic seat in the Shouf district of Mount Lebanon. He submitted all necessary papers on March 21st, and on March 27th he received his confirmation from the Ministry of Interior. Mr. Maalouf is the first candidate from his district to officially register.

Continuing calls on the national religious and poltical leaders, Mr. Maalouf was received at the Presidential Palace by His Excellency the President of Lebanon, General Michel Sleiman. The President was happy to see one immigrant executing his inaugual address when he called on the immigrants to keep an eye on Lebanon, take the risk and return. President Sleiman listened carfelly to Mr. Maalouf's objectives and goals for this elections and wished him success. Mr. Maalouf visited with the Archbishop of Beirut His Eminence Elias Awdeh of the Aurthodox Church. Bishop Awdeh was happy to meet Mr. Maalouf and the meeting went beyond its scheduled time and Mr. Maalouf appreciated the Archbishop's sincerity and straight talk.

Mr. Maalouf attended the 181 year anniversery of the "Deir El-Moukhaless" high school in Deir El-Moukhaless which was attend by government officials and Archsbihop Elie Haddad of Said and Deir El-Kamar. Several people recognized Mr. Maalouf and were happy to meet him and learn of his running to be their deputy in the Lebanese parliament. Mr. Maalouf met several residents of Batharan-Shouf at the house of Mounir Bou Absi at his home in Raboueh. He also received constituencies from Amik, Batharan, Kfarkatra and Lem-Toulleh. He ended his weekend at Saint Maron Monestary in Majd-Lemoush where he attended Mass celebrated by Abott Boulus Kawand. Following Mass, he spoke to constituencies from the town and its surroundings.

As he said in Amik, Mr. Maalouf repeated in Majd-Lemouch that he is the strongest Chrisitian candidate in the Shouf. He is an independent candidate and he is not a rubber stamp for any feudel lord or political godfather. "It is up to the Shouf people to hire me as your representative in the Lebanese Parliament. I am not an enemy of any one politician or party. I am a pragmatic individual who focuses only on the interest of the people of the Shouf and their well-being," concluded Maalouf. (click for pictures)

Sunday, March 15 - 20, 2009

Mr. Walid Maalouf, the former American diplomat and candidate for the Melkite-Catholic seat in the Shouf district, is continuing to visit national religious and political leaders in Lebanon. Mufti Mouhamad Rashid Kabbani received Maalouf at his residence for a discussion of the present political issues in Lebanon and the upcoming elections. Mufti Kabbani welcomed a person like Mr. Maalouf who has a wealth of experience on the international arena to enter the Lebanese Parliament saying that Mr. Maalouf will enrich the Lebanese legislators with his knowledge and international contacts. Mr. Maalouf visited with Reverend Salim Sahyouni, head of the Evangelical Baptist Church, at their headquarters in Rabieh in the presence of Judge Faouzi Dagher and Mr. Fares Dagher. Reverend Sahyouni wished Mr. Maalouf all the best and bestowed on him his blessing on his new initiatives in Lebanon.

Mr. Maalouf visited with the President of the Executive Committee of the Lebanese Forces Dr. Samir Geagea. Mr. Maalouf and Dr. Geagea discussed in detail the elections in the Shout and Dr. Geagea welcomed Mr. Maalouf’s new ideas and thoughts regarding those elections. Mr. Maalouf received at his residence Mr. Alain Aoun, member of the Reform and Change party in an hour-long meeting discussing the Shouf elections and results on the future of the district and its development.

Mr. Maalouf visited the seats of the Melkite Bishop Elie Haddad and the Maronite Bishop Elias Nassar of Saida and Deir El-Kamar and discussed his role in the Lebanese Diaspora and his influence on behalf of Lebanon in the United Nations and the American Department of State. He also visited Bishop Boulos Mattar in his seat in Beirut, who is from Al-Naahmeh – Shouf in the presence of Rami Mattar where he discussed the importance of the participation in voting of all the Shouf residents in the upcoming elections.

Mr. Maalouf is calling on the Shouf constituencies starting from his hometown of Kfarkatra. He visited also Amik, the town of his late grandmother Amineh Ayoub Abi Nasif. Family, friends and supporters gathered at the Amik Monastery to receive him. The event was organized by Jihad & Rania Younis and Mayor Samir Karam. In his home in Sin El-Fil, Mr. Maalouf received constituencies from Fouarra, Mazraat El-Daher, Amik, Beit El-Dine, Kfarkatra, Al-Naahmeh, Al-Rmayleh and leaders from the Maalouf family. He attended a banquet at a restaurant in Naher El-Kalb in support of building a new church in his grandmother’s town of Amik. Mr. Maalouf is continuing to distribute his National Political & Economic Platform and a copy of his book at all meetings. (click for pictures)

Monday, March 2 - 14, 2009

Mr. Walid Maalouf is continuing his visits to the political and religious leaders in Lebanon. He met with Mr. Ahmad Al-Aassad, Chairman of the Lebanese Option Gathering and discussed the upcoming elections. Mr. Maalouf encouraged Mr. Al-Assad to organize a coalition of all independent candidates who have a clear and consistent vision for a free, united, sovereign and independent Lebanon. Mr. Maalouf also visited with former Minister and Deputy Nayla Mouawad at her residence. After discussing Mr. Maalouf's interest in running in the Shouf and the strategy he is implementing, Mrs. Mouawad encouraged Mr. Maalouf.

Mr. Maalouf briefed Mr. Carlos Edde, President of the National Lebanese Bloc at his residence. Mr. Edde briefed Mr. Maalouf of his experience in Lebanese political behaviors since he entered this arena nine years ago. Mr. Maalouf is aware of the difficulties that are ahead of him but he is determined to continue his bid for the Melkite-Catholic seat.

Mr. Maalouf was a guest on Future TV in "Kalam Beirut" hosted by Roula Haddad for an hour where he discussed his views of the day's events emphasizing that the Lebanese Lobby in Washington should make sure that Lebanon should not be on the agenda of collaborations between the Syrian and United States diplomacy unless Lebanon participates in these meetings. Mr. Maalouf visited Mr. Nadim Gemayel at the Kataeb headquarters of achrafied in the presence of Youmna Gemayel and Mr. Joe Toutingy. At his residence Deputy Boutros Harb received Maalouf and discussed the upcoming elections and the impact it might have if the emigrants are more engaged in it. Deputy Mousbah Ahdab also received Maalouf at his residence where both analyzed the election results and its impact on the future of Lebanon. Mr. Maalouf met several residents of Majdlouna - Shouf at the house of Judge Faouzi Dagher in Rabieh and discussed with them his views and his bid to run for the Melkite-Catholic seat. At his home in Sin El-Fil Maalouf received constituencies from Joun, Amik and Kfarkatra - Shouf. At every stop he distributed copies of his National Political and Economic Platform and a copy of his book How Many Times... I Told You - Reflections, Memories and Hope for Lebanon.

Monday, February 16 - 27, 2009

Mr. Walid Maalouf has been in Lebanon since February 15, 2009 meeting with Lebanese political and religious leaders. He met with his Beatitude Cardinal Mar Nasrallah Boutrous Sfeir, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and the East. His Eminence encouraged Mr. Maalouf in his initiative and wished him well after discussing this year's general elections. At the headquarters of the Druze, Mr. Maalouf met with Sheik Al-Akle Dr. Naem Hassan in the presence of retired General Issam Abou Ziky. They discussed the role of the emigrants in the upcoming election not only by traveling to Lebanon to vote but also in allowing several successful Lebanese living abroad to run for office in order to bring change to the Lebanese Parliament. Patriarch Gregorious III Laham of the Melkite- Catholic received Walid Maalouf at his headquarters in Raboueh. At this meeting Mr. Maalouf explained to his Beatitude his goals and objectives in running for the Melkite-Catholic seat in the Shouf District of Lebanon. It is time for the Melkite community to have a strong representation in Parliament to resume the leadership role on the national scene. On the political side, Mr. Maalouf visited with former President of Lebanon Amine Gemayel at his home office in Sin El-Fil. At this meeting he explained how he can represent the Lebanese immigrants in parliament and help them become full partner in building the new Lebanon. Maalouf told Gemayel that he is running on behalf of the Lebanese abroad as well as representing his district of the Shouf.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

The Triangle Lebanese Association (TLA) hosted the book signing of Mr. Walid Maalouf in Raleigh, North Carolina. A large number of the Lebanese American Community attended this special event in honor of Lebanon Independence day where Mr. Maalouf was the key note speaker and was introduced by the President of TLA Mrs. Nouha Nasrallah. (click for pictures)

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The Walid Maalouf Foundation hosted the book signing of Mr. Walid Maalouf at the Lebanese National Press headquarters in Beirut ( Naqabet Al-Sahafeh). Members of the Lebanese press, family, friends and supporters of Mr. Maalouf attended the event which was followed by a reception. The Dean of the Lebanese national press Mr. Mouhamad Baalbacky, Mr. Wael kheir and Poet Hanri Zougheib presented insightful analysis of Mr. Walid Maalouf's book "How Many Times... I told You - Reflections, Memories and Hope for Lebanon ". Dr. Ursula Rizk was the Master of Ceremonies and the event started with the singing of the Lebanese National Anthem. Mr. Walid Maalouf outlined the objectives of his book and introduced his idea for internal change and a new era in Lebanon. (click for pictures)

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Mr. Walid Maalouf was a guest at the "Sabah El-Kheir" Future TV program with Joel and Elie. He answered questions about his book and his views for prosperity and change in Lebanon. The interview was aired live and lasted around 12 minutes (click to hear the interview). While in Lebanon Mr. Maalouf was received by the US Ambassador to Lebanon the Honorable Michel Sison and the Minister of Interior and Municipalities His Excellency Ziyad Baroud.

Tuesday & Wednesday, September 16 & 17, 2008:

Mr. Walid Maalouf’s public diplomacy trip included several stops in Jordan. He visited with Bishop Yasser Ayach of the Melkite community in Amman. He spoke at the Business Development Center, a $27 million USAID project to help graduates to compete successfully in the Jordanian market. Mr. Maalouf met with a group of students who have participated in the program and found successful jobs in the market place. Accompanied by the USAID Deputy Director Mr. Maalouf visited Um Qusseir for an outreach event at the Orphans care Charity Association. The second day Mr. Maalouf visited INJAZ a program to help Jordanian youth improve their skills and capabilities. Than spoke to the 12th grade students at the Princess Tagrid School in East Amman and was received warmly and enthusiastically by Mother Davide Mouaness, the faculty and students of the Sister of Nazareth School in Amman more than 200 girls attended the presentation by Mr. Maalouf and than had a Q & A session. (Click for pictures)

Friday, September 12, 2008:

Mr. Maalouf participated in the opening ceremony of the Lebanese American Renaissance Partnership conference at the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut with Minister of Economy Mohamad Safadi representing President Michel Sleiman, US Ambassador Michele J. Sison, Mr. Salim Zienni and Mr. Ghassan Saab the corporate leader of this mission. Several Lebanese officials and dignitaries attend this conference, thirty Lebanese American business, entrepreneurs and community leaders from the United States and the Diaspora attended this year conference with more than 300 local business and community leaders from Lebanon. (Click for remarks) (Click for pictures)

Thursday, May 15, 2008:

Upon the recent development in Lebanon, Mr. Walid Maalouf joined a delegation of March 14 USA and other Lebanese American Organizations to lobby United Nations officials to enforce security council resolution 1559 and enlarge the UN presence in Lebanon to include the capital Beirut and its suburbs as well as all government institutions and expedite the immediate election of the President of the Republic. The delegation met with Ambassador Hamid al-Bayati the President of the Arab Group at the United Nations, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General Ambassador Terje Rode-Larsen at the Indonesian Hall in the UN building. Also met the Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs Ambassador B. Lynn Pascoe in his office.

Saturday, April 26, 2008: 

Members of the Lebanese American community in Atlanta attended the the book signing of Mr. Walid Maalouf at the Sultan Restaurant which was organized by Engineer Pierre Maalouf and Mr. Shible Mounzer. Mr. Kanaan Dagher of Toronto introduced Mr. Maalouf who briefed the participants about the book and its objectives and answered several of their questions. Afterwards Mr. Maalouf gave An-Nour newspaper an interview which is published in their May issue. (click for pictures) (click for introduction)    

Mr. Maalouf visited the Lebanese American community in London and signed his book at the London Chapter of the World Lebanese Cultural Union’s annual dinner. He also was a speaker at the dinner which was attended by the world President Elie Hakme and the General Secretary Georges Abi-Raad. Prior to the event Mr. Maalouf was a host on the Arab News Network. He was interviewed by Alsyassa, Al-Hayat and Al-Shaq Al-Awsat newspapers. The following day Mr. Maalouf was received warmly at the Maronite Church in London where he attended a memorial mass on the occasion of the beginning of the regional war in Lebanon on April 13th. (Click for pictures) (Click for article)

Sunday, March 2, 2008: 

On the second day of his visit to the Lebanese American community in San Francisco Mr. Maalouf was received warmly at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church where he attend mass with the community. This was followed by a luncheon in his honor organized by the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU). His remarks were about his book and how the Diaspora can move to help Lebanon out of its deadlock. After the luncheon and his remarks, Mr. Maalouf signed his book How Many Times... I Told You - Reflections, Memories and Hope for Lebanon. (Click for pictures) 

Saturday, March 1, 2008:

Mr. Walid Maalouf was the keynote speaker at the Lebanese American Association's 17th annual gala dinner in San Francisco, California. He was one of three recipients of the Outstanding Leadership & Achievement Award. Several dignitaries attended the gala including the Consul General of Lebanon the Honorable Fadi HajAli and the Honorary Consul of Jordan Kamal Ayoub. In his remarks Mr. Maalouf outlined how the Lebanese Diaspora can effectively help Lebanon once and for all. After the dinner Mr. Maalouf signed his book. (Click for speech) (click for pictures)

Friday, January 30, 2008

The U.S. Agency for International Development celebrated the 2007 Annual Awards Ceremony and Mr. Walid Maalouf was a recipient of two Certificates of Appreciation: The first , in recognition of his unwavering support of the President’s foreign policy agenda to various U.S. Diaspora organizations and foreign audiences in both Arabic and English and the second, for his outstanding support of public diplomacy efforts in the Middle East. (Click for pictures)

The Honorable Antoine Azzam, the Consul General of Lebanon, hosted the book signing of Mr. Walid Maalouf at the Consulate General of Lebanon in New York. The book signing was followed by a reception. Members of the Lebanese American community and several dignitaries attended the event, including Ambassador Abdulrahman M. Gdaia of Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Nawaf Salam, Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations and other officials from the United Nations. In his opening remarks, Mr. Azzam welcomed all attendees and introduced Mr. Maalouf. Mr. Maalouf offered his appreciation for this special event in the Consulate General of Lebanon, and noted that Mr. Azzam was the first Lebanese official to host a book signing event in the residence of Lebanon. (Click for Pictures)  

The Honorable Henrietta Fore, USAID Administrator and Director of US Foreign Assistance spoke a breakfast organized by the Lebanese American Renaissance Partnership and hosted by its Vice President Haleem Zihenni at the New York Athletic Club. The breakfast was attended by leaders of the Lebanese American business community as well as public officials such as Ms. Caroline Ziade, Deputy Representative of Lebanon to the UN; the Honorable Antoine Azzam, Consul General of Lebanon in New York; and the Honorable Jeanine Pirro, former District Attorney of Westchester County. (Click for pictures)

Friday, November 9, 2007:

Mr. Walid Maalouf, Director of Public Diplomacy attended the Tunisia Economic Forum and was on a panel with His Excellency Mohamed Al Nouri Al-Jouwaini, Tunisian Minister of Development & International Cooperation, Dr. Jassim Al-Mannai, Chairman & General Manager, Arab Monetary Fund, UAE and Mr. Jacques Sarraf, President of the Middle East Businessmed discussing the development and future vision of the Tunisian Economy. (Click for pictures) 

Friday, September 28, 2007:

The Los Angeles book signing of Mr. Walid Maalouf was co-sponsored by the House of Lebanon, the World Lebanese Cultural Union, the Los Angeles Beirut Sister City, the Los Angeles Cedars Rotary Club and the American Lebanese Medical Association at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. Mr. Maalouf stated the objectives of his book and also spoke beyond this project outlining a strong, new and respected Lebanon based on three ideas: the territorial neutrality of Lebanon, the solution of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and the implementation of the parliamentary elections based on the smallest district of one vote one deputy. Mr. Maalouf also visited with the Lebanese Armenian American community, the Lebanese American Druze community and ended his trip to Californian in attending the Iftar of the Future Movement in Glendale. (Click for pictures) (Click for article)

Saturday, August 25, 2007:

Mr. Walid Maalouf delivered a speech about the United States Government commitments to Lebanon at the WLCU-Canadian Chapters meeting in Ottawa. On the following Sunday and Monday Mr. Maalouf visited with several Arab and Muslim Canadian communities to discuss USAID efforts in the broader Middle East and North Africa. (click for pictures)

Sunday, July 1, 2007: 

The US March 14 gathering and the American Lebanese Coalition organized the book signing tour of Mr. Walid Maalouf in Detroit, Michigan. The visit started with a breakfast in honor of Mr. Maalouf in Dearborn hosted by the Future Movement. Several key Lebanese American leaders attended the breakfast which was followed by a visit to the Rafic Hariri Cedar Tree Memorial on the grounds of the Henry Ford Community College. The book signing event took place at the James Tamer Hall in Warren where Mr. Mel Zohrob and Mr. Ibrahim Margi welcomed the attendees and introduced Mr. Maalouf. (click for pictures)

Sunday, June 24, 2007:

Mr. Ibrahim Tannous and Profile News hosted the Boston book signing tour of Walid Maalouf on Sunday June 24, 2007 at the Hall of Our Lady of the Cedars in Jamaica Plain. Monsignor Joseph Lahoud and several members of the community attended the event. Dr. Alfred Saad introduced the book to the Lebanese American community with an eloquent speech in which he chronicled the literary and intellectual history of the Maalouf family.  Dr. Saad and Mr. Maalouf were bestowed the certificates of appreciation by Mr. Tannous the owner, editor and publisher of Profile News. (click for speech) (click for pictures)

Tuesday, June 19, 2007:

Ambassador Clovis Maksoud, Director of Global South at the American University in Washington DC hosted the book signing of Mr. Walid Maalouf which was attended by officials from the Department of State, USAID and the White House. Dr. Mary Jane Deeb, Chief of the African and Middle Eastern Division at Library of Congress,  Mr. J. Scott Carpenter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Asia and Near East Affairs and Dr. Wadi' D. Haddad, former Deputy Corporate Secretary of the World Bank discussed the Lebanese American role in promoting peace and development in Lebanon based on the materials in Mr. Maalouf's book, How Many Times... I Told You - Reflections, Memories and Hope for Lebanon. In his remarks, Mr. Maalouf thanked the panel for their kind words and explained the importance of the recommended UNSC territorial neutrality resolution of the Lebanese territory. (click for pictures)

Sunday, June 17, 2007:

Mr. Maalouf was received warmly at the Saint Jude Maronite Church in Orlando, Florida. He attended Mass with the Lebanese American community during which Mr. Amine Harb welcomed him and invited all the members of the community to join Mr. Maalouf in the Church Hall for his third stop in his book signing tour. Mr. Saba Shalhoub introduced Mr. Maalouf who again reiterated the importance of the neutrality resolution for Lebanon and the criticality of unity among all Lebanese. (click for pictures) 

Saturday, June 16, 2007:

The second stop for the book signing in Florida was in Tampa, where the Lebanese American Community gathered at the Oasis restaurant to meet Mr. Walid Maalouf who was introduced by Mr. Pierre Maroun. In his remarks Mr. Maalouf urged the community to unite to save Lebanon and spoke at length about the objective of his book and the neutrality resolution for Lebanon. (click for pictures)

Friday, June 15, 2007:

Tuesday, May 15, 2007:

The Paris chapter of the World Lebanese Cultural Union hosted the book signing of Mr. Walid Maalouf at the FIAP Center in Paris. Several dignitaries attend this event alongside members of the Lebanese French community. Insightful analysis of Mr. Walid Maalouf's book title How Many Times... I told You - Reflections, Memories and Hope for Lebanon was offered by former Minister Salim Al-Jahel, former Ambassador Samira El-Daher and Minister Counselor James Bullock representing the US Ambassador to France the Honorable Craig Roberts Stapleton. Mr. Walid Maalouf outlined the objectives of his book and introduced his idea for a stable, secure and prosperous Lebanon through the territorial neutrality of the Lebanese territories.  (click for pictures)

Monday, April 30, 2007:

The United States Consulate organized for Mr. Maalouf meetings with members of the Middle Eastern Canadian community during which forthright conversations took place regarding democracy, peace, stability, prosperity and self determination in the broader Middle East and North Africa.  Mr. Maalouf participated in a video conference with  public affairs officers in all the US Consulates in Canada, and was interviewed by several local radio stations.  (click for pictures)

Sunday, April 29, 2007:

Mr. Maalouf spoke before a large gathering of Lebanese Canadians which was followed by his book signing. In the afternoon he visited the construction site of the newly built Melkite Cathedral with Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim. In the evening he attended a special dinner with several Lebanese Canadians where he also continued the signing of his new book How Many Times... I Told You . (click for pictures)

Saturday, April 28, 2007:

Mr. Walid Maalouf visited the Lebanese Canadian community in Montreal. He attended the US-Canadian regional meeting of the World Lebanese Cultural Union where he received the Platinum Emigrante Award. He met with The Honorable Diane Finley, Canadian Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and other Canadians and Lebanese dignitaries at the Monastery of Saint Anthony the Great where he started his book tour. (click for pictures)

Thursday, March 29, 2007:

Mr. Walid Maalouf presented at the Harvard Business School in partnership with the Middle East and North Africa Club a PowerPoint presentation about the work of the United States Agency for International Development's work in the broader Middle East and North Africa. Mr. Firas Abi-Nassif introduced Mr. Maalouf at the lecture which was attended by students from the Harvard Business and the Kennedy Government schools. (click for pictures)

Saturday, March 24, 2007:

At the University of California in San Diego (UCSG) the Lebanese Campus Link (LCL) hosted its second annual convention where Mr. Walid Maalouf was the key note speaker. The activity was organized to honor the Marine Corps sacrifices in Lebanon. Local Channels 8 and 9 interviewed Mr. Maalouf about USAID efforts in the broader Middle East and North Africa. (click for pictures)

Friday, March 23, 2007:

Al-Hurra Television aired its first one hour show about USAID work in the Middle East and interviewed Mr. Walid Maalouf, Director of Public Diplomacy in the four segments of the show at the headquarters of USAID in Washington, DC. The conversations varied from economic help, education, health in the region to democratic reforms.

Thursday, November 16, 2006:

Mr. Walid Maalouf delivered a speech at a special dinner with the Lebanese French community where he made remarks assuring all Lebanese French that President Bush will not strike a deal with Syria over the democracy and stability of Lebanon. The trip to France was concluded by attending a high mass celebrating the Independence of Lebanon on Sunday November 19, 2006 at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church at the Foyer Libanais in Paris.   

Wednesday, November 15, 2006:

Accepted an invitation from Radio Monte Carlo and appeared on the noon Arabic newscast with Tony Shamie. Mr. Maalouf responded to three questions: one about the internal Iraqi conflict, the second about Washington siding with Israel all the time and the third about the US policy in Lebanon.  

Tuesday, November 14, 2006: 

Mr. Walid Maalouf met with the 14 of March gathering in Paris as well as the representatives of the Lebanese Forces. Discussions were about the LARP trip to Lebanon and the US commitment to free Lebanon from any Syrian hegemony. All those activities in Paris were organized by Mr. George Abi Raad, the General Secretary of the World Lebanese Cultural Union. 

Saturday, November 11, 2006:

Delivered a speech in Arabic at the second day of the conference on behalf of the Lebanese American Renaissance Partnership (LARP) to the Lebanese people. In attendance LARP participants and members of the media, Deputy Samir Frengieh, former Deputy Fares Souaid and Mr. Nadim Bashir Gemayel.

Friday, November 10, 2006:

Participated in the opening ceremony of the Lebanese American Renaissance Partnership conference at the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut with Minister of Economy Sami Haddad representing Prime Minister Fouad Seniora, US Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman and Mr. George Hage the corporate leader of this mission. Several Lebanese dignitaries attend this conference, sixty Lebanese American business, entrepreneurs and community leaders and 150 business partners and members of the American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce.

Sunday, June 18, 2006:

Walid Maalouf visited the municipality of Kfarkatra in the Shouf district of Lebanon to participate in the inauguration of the newly built Church Hall of Our Lady of Deliverance which was funded mainly by private US donors. Several deputies and dignitaries attended the event including Deputy Elie Aoun, Deputy Camille Maalouf and others. Mr. Maalouf and his delegation also visited the Druze community in Kfarkatra where he was received warmly at "Bet-El-Dayaa". 

Saturday, June 17, 2006:

Friday, June 16, 2006:

Walid Maalouf delivered a speech titled " My American Experience – A Land of Equal opportunity "  Notre Dame University in Louezi, Lebanon before the student body and faculty members which was followed by a period of question and answer.  

Later in the day Mr. Maalouf delivered at the Lebanese American University, Byblos campus, a speech titled " U.S. Foreign Assistance – The Challenges ” which was followed by a period of question and answer. In the evening, the former Secretary General of the Maronite League hosted a dinner in honor of Walid Maalouf which was attended by several deputies and civil society leaders.

Thursday, June 15, 2006:

Walid Maalouf visited separately with His Eminence Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir,  the Sunni Mufti of Lebanon Sheik Mohammad Kabbani and the Chairman of the Shiite Higher Council Sheik Abdel Amir Kabalan. He briefed all leaders of USAID efforts in the broader Middle East and North Africa and reiterated the position of President George W. Bush that  the US support for the freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon and the Lebanese people is a final position of the US government and it is a non-negotiable issue with any of Lebanon’s neighbors.

In the afternoon Mr. Maalouf visited the Municipality of Zahle.  The Mayor of Zahle and his 21-member council hosted the USAID delegation to a luncheon in “Wady El-Arayech” next to the famous Berdowni River.  The Maalouf family organized a welcome reception in honor of Walid Maalouf attended by more than 120 Maalouf family members at Saint Elias monastery.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006:

Walid Maalouf led a discussion at the Ahram Regional Center with more than fifty senior Egyptian thinker, editors and NGO leaders.  Dr. Howieda Mostafa, Director of the Center hosted the event which was followed by a period of question and answer about the Egyptian American relations. This trip to Egypt ended with a reception in honor of Mr. Maalouf hosted by the Ambassador of Guatemala to Cairo His Excellency Antonio Maalouf.

Monday, June 12, 2006:

Sunday, June 11, 2006:

Walid Maalouf visited the American Center in Alexandria, Egypt where he met with the religious, academic, judiciary, media and NGO communities in Alexandria. They discussed USAID efforts in the broader Middle East and North Africa and several political issues that concerned the attendees.  He also visited the Egyptian Children's Center and saw a performance of the children and attended a presentation at the Alexandria Business Association about USAID program on Small and Micro enterprise projects. 

Thursday, May 25, 2006:

Saturday, May 20, 2006:

Thursday, March 30, 2006:

Mr. Walid Maalouf was the keynote speaker at the second anniversary of the DC Lebanese American Professionals (DCLAP) in Arlington , Virginia .   The title of the presentation was "U.S. Development in the Broader Middle East & North Africa - the role of Public Diplomacy."

Sunday, March 26, 2006:

Mr. Walid Maalouf spoke at the International Conference for the Lebanese Students of the World organized by the Lebanese Campus Link and honoring the life of Malcolm Kerr, former President of AUB.  On the first day of the conference Mr. Maalouf gave the students a presentation on USAID efforts in Lebanon and encouraged the U.S. participants to apply for Foreign Service positions at both USAID and the Department of State. 

Saturday, March 25, 2006:

Mr. Maalouf spoke before the Egyptian American community at the home of Mounir Bishay, which was attended by 25 leaders of the Copts community and others. Discussions focused on USAID help to Egypt and how the community in Los Angeles could be more involved in helping USAID disseminate information to their families and friends in their ancestral hometowns. Saturday evening the Consul General of Lebanon His Excellency Charbel Wehbeh hosted a dinner in honor of Mr. Maalouf that was attended by Lebanese American professionals from the Los Angeles area. 

Friday, March 24, 2006:  

Walid Maalouf was the keynote speaker at a special dinner in Los Angeles organized by the Assyrian American Association of Southern California and the Los Angeles Chapter of the Assyrian Aid Society.  More than a hundred members from both organizations attended the event.  In the presentation and the Q&A session that followed we talked about the reconstruction of Iraq , our objectives in supporting a stable and secure Iraq and assisting Iraqis in building capacity on the national and local level. The audience questioned the direct help of USAID to the Iraqi ChaldoAssyrian communities.

Thursday, March 23, 2006:

Walid Maalouf met with forty-five leaders of the Muslim American Community at the Council on American Islamic Relations in Anaheim , California . After a brief presentation on USAID efforts in the Broader Middle East and North Africa, a Q&A session took place and the discussions focused mainly on how as American citizens we can be a better bridge between America and our ancestral countries in the region. 

Sunday, February 5, 2006 :

Walid Maalouf was the key note speaker at the Lebanese Information Center  in San Francisco which sponsored a presentation about USAID and Democracy in Lebanon for the Lebanese American Community of the Bay area. Several local media outlets covered the event and the local Channel 4 late news aired a report about the issues that were discussed. After the presentation the WLCU chapter of San Francisco  hosted a dinner followed by a roundtable discussion. 

Saturday, February 4, 2006 :

Spoke at the annual dinner of the Assyrian Aid Society at the Assyrian American Civic Club of Turlock, California with more than 600 Iraqi Americans in attendance.  Mr. Maalouf was received warmly along with the newly elected deputy of the  Iraq parliament Yonadam Kanna. The dinner was attended also by local dignitaries and leaders of the ChaldoAssyrian Community.

Friday, February 3, 2006 :

Mr. Maalouf met with thirty-five leaders of the Muslim American Community at the Muslim Community Association in Santa Clara , California . A roundtable discussion and exchanges of ideas took place with a dinner organized by the San Francisco Bay area's Council on American Islamic Relations.