"Lebanon needs you to bring its cause to the world and not your money, we need you to participate in the development of its economy and consumption of its products," Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil told Lebanese expatriates living in Austin, Texas.

He added: "We don't want Lebanon to become a land without a people ... the government has decided to open a Public consulate in Huston, and we are waiting for the approval of the US government. We want to be close to you and remove all obstacles in front of you to regain your nationality back and participate in polls." 

He also considered that Lebanon is protected by its people, especially by Lebanese expatriates.