U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Richard Jones Arrives in Beirut
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Richard Jones arrived Thursday in Beirut to replace Ambassador David Hale pending the arrival of the new head of mission Elizabeth Richard, state-run National News Agency reported.
Jones served as ambassador to Lebanon between 1996 and 1998.
Informed sources have told al-Joumhouria newspaper that the diplomat will temporarily take charge of Hale's duties until U.S. administrative arrangements are completed for Elizabeth Richard to officially begin her mission in Beirut.
Hale left Lebanon on Saturday.
Richard is currently a deputy assistant secretary of state in the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. She is expected to assume her post at the start of next year once the U.S. Congress approves her appointment.
Y.R.
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