Johnson says army has done 'admirable work to disarm Hezbollah' but 'more is needed'

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson said that “if Lebanon continues down the path it is on now, it can shine with the light of new beginnings.”

“With historic cabinet decisions in August and September to disarm all non-state groups in the country, the Lebanese government has a historic opportunity to reclaim Lebanon’s sovereignty for the Lebanese people,” Johnson noted, in a speech during a reception marking the 249th anniversary of the U.S. Independence Day.

“Lebanon can seize this moment and build a national community. A community led by a government free from corruption and malign influence, and one that protects and serves all of its people,” she added.

Pointing out that “this government was able to achieve more in seven months than was achieved over the past six years,” Johnson said Lebanon has an “opportunity to reestablish its sovereignty, pursue lasting peace with its neighbors, and reach its full economic potential.”

“None of this would be possible without the commitment and courage of Lebanon’s security institutions. The Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces play critical roles across the country where their presence and professionalism help preserve calm and prevent escalation,” the ambassador said.

“The Lebanese Armed Forces ensure that Lebanon’s path forward is determined by the Lebanese people – and not by the ambitions of malign external powers, she added.

As for the U.S.-mediated cessation of hostilities agreement between Lebanon and Israel, Johnson said the Lebanese Army has done “admirable work to disarm Hezbollah and other non-state groups in Lebanon,” but added that “more work is needed to ensure the state’s monopoly of weapons across all Lebanese territory.”

She added: “The United States shares the vision of a Lebanon that chooses unity over division, stability over strife, and growth over stagnation. Lebanon can move forward -- not in the shadow of the past, but toward the light of a better future, because we know that when Lebanon thrives, the region thrives.”