U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa told LebTalks that “there is no imminent war on Lebanon, but no one can predict what things may lead to.” He noted that “appointing Ambassador Simon Karam to represent Lebanon in the Naqoura meetings is a positive step. Negotiations are necessary, and the first meeting was an introductory one, and it is natural that peace does not happen from the first attempt.”
Issa revealed that work is underway to set a date for Army Commander General Rodolphe Haikal’s visit to Washington, confirming that “the commander has much to say and explain to the U.S. administration,” stressing “the United States’ full support for the Lebanese Army,” and affirming that “America’s priority is for Lebanon to be strong — and for its army to be strong as well.”
Responding to U.S. envoy Tom Barrack’s statement about annexing Lebanon to Syria, Issa said: “Honestly, I also want to ask him what he meant.”
The ambassador added, in remarks to our platform, that “Congress has several messages addressed to the Lebanese state, and it is certain that the Lebanese understand the meaning of each one,” considering that “direct negotiation is the only path capable of leading us to a result.”
On the weapons issue, he said: “We ask Hezbollah to cooperate; such cooperation would benefit every Lebanese, especially the people of the South. We are not asking for more than the handover of the weapons, and we will take care of the remaining steps.”
Issa stressed that “the army is carrying out its duties according to its capabilities, and we are fully aware of the challenges it faces,” expressing hope that “by the end of the year, it will announce the completion of its tasks in full.”
He concluded by affirming that “the United States continues to support the Lebanese Army, as it is the only entity responsible for the country’s security,” adding: “We will not stop the support, but in return, we ask the army to carry out its duties — and that is exactly what it is doing today.”