Issa lauds Lebanon's 'unity' and 'progress toward peaceful regional engagement'
With “heartfelt respect,” U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa on Thursday extended his appreciation to “the Government and people of Lebanon for the gracious welcome offered to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV during his recent visit.”
“The professionalism and unity demonstrated in preparing and hosting this historic occasion reflect Lebanon’s enduring spirit and its ability to rise above challenges when purpose calls,” Issa said in a statement.
He also commended both Lebanon and Israel for “taking the courageous decision to open a channel of dialogue at this sensitive moment.”
“This step signals a sincere willingness to pursue peaceful, responsible solutions grounded in good faith. Durable progress can only be achieved when both sides feel their concerns are respected and their hopes recognized. Compromise, understanding, and principled leadership remain essential,” Issa added.
“I further welcome the Lebanese Government’s decision to embrace dialogue after decades of uncertainty. This represents a constructive move toward identifying pathways that may one day allow both nations to coexist peacefully, respectfully, and with dignity,” the ambassador went on to say.
He added: “As the United States’ Ambassador to Lebanon, I reaffirm our commitment to supporting all efforts that advance peace, stability, and security. The United States stands ready to engage and assist in initiatives that ease the burdens carried by populations who have endured deep physical and moral hardship — hardship no society should ever have to face.”
Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held their first talks in decades on Wednesday under the auspices of a year-old ceasefire monitoring mechanism, though Lebanon's premier cautioned the new diplomatic contact did not amount to broader peace discussions.
Lebanon and Israel have technically been at war since 1948, but Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the new discussions were strictly limited to fully implementing last year's truce.
Israel has kept up regular air strikes in Lebanon, usually saying it is targeting Hezbollah members and facilities, and it has kept troops in five areas in the south despite the ceasefire's stipulation that it pull out entirely.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the atmosphere at the talks was "positive", and that there had been agreement "to develop ideas to promote potential economic cooperation between Israel and Lebanon."
Israel also made it clear it was "essential" that Hezbollah disarm regardless of any progress in economic cooperation, Netanyahu's office added.
Source: Naharnet
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