Barrack says satisfied with Lebanese response on disarming of Hezbollah
U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack said Monday he was satisfied by the Lebanese authorities' response to a request to disarm Hezbollah, which was heavily weakened in a recent war with Israel.
"I'm unbelievably satisfied with the response," Barrack, Washington's ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, told a press conference after meeting President Joseph Aoun in Baabda.
Barrack added that he held an 'amazingly interesting and satisfactory meeting' with Aoun, noting that U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and himself are 'unbelievably grateful for the speed, thoughtfulness and considered tone of the (Lebanese) response' to the U.S. suggestions.
"We're creating a go forward plan and to create that we need a dialogue," he said.
He however warned that "the rest of the region is moving at Mach speed, and you will be left behind," noting that "dialogue has started between Syria and Israel, just as the dialogue needs to be reinvented by Lebanon."
"I am grateful for the Lebanese response; it came after careful consideration and reflects various important factors. I am largely satisfied," Barrack said.
He emphasized that Lebanon is under no obligation to meet any imposed deadlines for Hezbollah's disarmament, saying, "We are merely trying to offer help, not impose solutions." He added that it is now up to the Lebanese themselves to seize the moment.
"There's an opportunity, and no one is better than the Lebanese at recognizing and acting on opportunities. The region is changing, everything around us is changing, and President Trump stands behind Lebanon," he noted.
The envoy underscored the need for compromises from all parties involved, stating, "Everyone must give up something. Hostility must end."
Barrack also pointed to recent developments involving Israel and Syria, revealing that dialogue between the two has begun. "Syria is starting from scratch, and the dialogue with Israel is underway," he said, describing the process as complex but necessary.
As for Lebanon's fraught relationship with Israel, Barrack struck a cautiously hopeful tone. "I believe Lebanon and Israel are ultimately seeking the same thing. Israel does not want war with Lebanon, nor does it wish to occupy Lebanon."
Concluding his remarks, Barrack stressed the role of the U.S., saying, "America cannot provide all the answers. We can only assist from the outside. The real solutions must come from within."
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