US envoy Tom Barrack started on Monday a visit to Lebanon, where he met senior officials, accompanied with US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson.
Barrack met with President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Presidential Palace, where the president handed draft comprehensive memorandum on Lebanon’s implementation of commitments since the ceasefire with the Zionist entity took effect on November 27, 2024, following 66-day brutal Israeli war.
Barrack then met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, at the Grand Serail. He is scheduled to meet Speaker Nabih Berri on Tuesday.
Following his meeting with PM Salam, Bararck said that the ceasefire between Lebanon and the Zionist entity wasn’t working.
“I’ve returned to Lebanon because President Trump is committed to regional stability, and Lebanon plays a key role. We need to focus on it now to help restore security across the region. The ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel hasn’t held, and we’re working to address that,” the US envoy told reporters at the Grand Serail.
“The issue of disarming Hezbollah is a domestic Lebanese matter. As far as the US is concerned, Hezbollah is a foreign terrorist group. We’re here to support, advise, and encourage dialogue, but we cannot force Israel’s hand.”
“The US has no business in trying to compel Israel to do anything. … America could only influence,” he added.
Barrack mentioned that the US is in discussions with the Lebanese government on how to assist in achieving stability and peace in the region.
He stated that Washington is not considering imposing sanctions on Lebanon at this time.
Regarding the situation in Syria, Barrack expressed deep concern over developments in Sweida, urging accountability for the Syrian government.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
