Barrack says US continues to support Lebanon's efforts after uproar
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack announced Thursday that the U.S. “continues to support Lebanon’s endeavor to rebuild its own state” and “find peace with its neighbors,” days after his remarks he made sparked concern and outrage in Lebanon and drew responses from Speaker Nabih Berri and PM Nawaf Salam.
In a post on X, Barrack added that Washington also backs Lebanon as it continues “its quest for resolution of its recently signed cessation of hostilities agreement in November of 2024, including the disarmament of Hizballah.”
In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Barrack had said "the Lebanese, and I don't mean this in a disrespectful way, all they do is talk," claiming that there is no real action on Hezbollah's disarmament.
This prompted Salam to "affirm that the government is committed to fully implementing its Ministerial Statement, particularly with regard to carrying out reforms and extending the state's authority over all its territory."
"I am surprised by the recent statements made by Ambassador Thomas Barrack, which question the seriousness of the government and the role of the army," he said, adding that he is confident that the army is fulfilling its responsibilities in protecting Lebanon's sovereignty, ensuring its stability, and carrying out its national duties, including implementing the disarmament plan.
"On this occasion, I call on the international community to intensify its support for the Lebanese Army and to pressure Israel to withdraw from the territories it occupies, as well as to stop its repeated aggressions in implementation of the ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024."
After the Lebanese government took last month the decision to disarm Hezbollah, Barrack said the "Lebanese government has done their part" and "now what we need is for Israel to comply with that equal handshake."
In the recent interview, he seemed to change his stance, accusing the government of only "talking" with no real action, and revealing that Israel will not withdraw which will give Hezbollah more excuses to keep its arms.
Source: Naharnet
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/315499 |