Beirut: Europe and the Arabs - Agencies
US envoy Tom Barrack said that a better life must be achieved for Lebanon and its neighboring countries, noting that a roadmap for dialogue between Lebanon and its neighboring countries will be drawn up later. He emphasized that disarming Hezbollah is a decision that belongs to the Lebanese state and will be in the interest of the Shiites, not against them. He also emphasized that disarming Hezbollah does not pose a threat to anyone, and that we have not presented any proposal to Israel regarding disarming Hezbollah, according to a recent breaking news report by Cairo News Channel.
US envoy Tom Barrack added that the Lebanese decision requires cooperation from the Israeli side, and that the next steps include working with the Lebanese government to restore prosperity. He added that there is no threat to any party in Lebanon, and that the disarmament process is an internal matter.
Barrack indicated that they are not seeking a new agreement regarding Lebanon, but rather the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. He added that we will witness progress on all levels in Lebanon in the coming period. He also stressed that we need an economic plan for prosperity, recovery, and reconstruction for all, not just in southern Lebanon. US envoys Thomas Barrack and Morgan Ortagus arrived at Baabda Palace on Monday to meet with President Joseph Aoun to discuss Hezbollah's disarmament.
In statements to reporters, Barrack said that the United States "seeks a better life for Lebanon and its neighbors, and that the party's disarmament serves the interests of the Shiites, not against them."
He added, "Hezbollah must carefully consider its options and cannot take anything without giving something in return."
Barrack clarified that he "does not carry any threats regarding the party's disarmament," stressing that Washington's role has been "guidance" and that there is "cooperation from everyone," even Iran, which he described as "a partner in the issue of the party's disarmament."
The US envoy added that he "did not present any proposal to Israel on this issue," noting that the Lebanese government has taken the first step, and now it is up to Israel to take a reciprocal step.
He continued, "We are not seeking any new agreement in Lebanon, but rather the implementation of the ceasefire agreement." Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that Lebanon faced two choices: either accept the American paper or face isolation and pressure. This came as US envoy Thomas Barrack arrived in Beirut to discuss developments related to the paper, the objectives of which were approved by the Lebanese government on August 7.
US envoy Thomas Barrack arrived in Beirut, where he is scheduled to meet with senior Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf, to discuss the issue of Hezbollah's weapons and developments related to the American paper, which was on the table for discussion and whose objectives were approved by the Lebanese government.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said in an interview with Al Arabiya that Hezbollah's weapons are an "internal matter," stressing that constitutional institutions are the body authorized to address this issue. He added, "I don't think anyone across the country opposes the principle of restricting arms to the state."
Aoun addressed the American paper, noting that Lebanon had submitted its observations on it, "so it became a Lebanese paper," stressing that it would not enter into force until all concerned countries agreed. He emphasized the principle of "step by step," explaining that "we were faced with two choices: either agree to the paper and demand that the world obtain Israel's approval, or reject it and increase the pace of attacks and isolate Lebanon economically."
Aoun clarified that he was not pursuing electoral or partisan interests, saying, "I am a statesman who came to build a country. My concern is for Lebanon to return to its natural position, break its isolation, and achieve security, stability, and prosperity." He added that he appreciated the Syrian position on the Lebanese observations, noting that security and military coordination with Damascus is ongoing, and that Beirut awaits any Syrian envoy to activate the relationship.
The Lebanese president asserted that intimidating the Lebanese against each other is "unjustified," pointing to the presence of the army on the border and internally, emphasizing that the Lebanese people's agreement to neutralize their country is what strengthens and fortifies it. He also denied the existence of any direct Lebanese-Israeli dialogue, emphasizing that communications with Tel Aviv are conducted exclusively through the Americans, the French, and other international parties. Aoun reiterated his absolute rejection of the resettlement of Palestinians, considering it a "constitutional matter." He expressed his confidence in the Saudi role in helping Lebanon emerge from its crisis, saying, "I told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the world: I don't want donations, I want investments. Lebanon is your other country, and there are many sectors in which investment is possible."
Regarding relations with Iran, Aoun stressed that "Iran is a friendly country, but on the basis of mutual respect and preservation of sovereignty. We do not allow ourselves to interfere in its affairs or in the affairs of any other country, just as we do not accept interference in our affairs."
Berri: I will hear from Barak his vision on how to disarm
For his part, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri called for a dialogue regarding the decision to restrict arms to the state, not the proposed method, stressing that there is no fear of a civil war or any threat to internal peace.
Berri explained in an interview with Al Arabiya, "I will hear from US envoy Tom Barak his vision on how to disarm Hezbollah." He continued, "I have nothing to propose to the US envoy." He stressed that no resolution regarding Hezbollah could be implemented as long as Israel refused to implement its obligations, explaining that Hezbollah had not fired a single bullet since the ceasefire, but that Israel was continuing its strikes.