US envoy Tom Barrack clarifies Syria remarks: Not a threat to Lebanon, but a vision for coexistence
'My comments yesterday praised Syria's impressive strides, not a threat to Lebanon,' Barrack said in a post on X on Saturday.
'I observed the reality that Syria is moving at light speed to seize the historic opportunity presented by President Trump's lifting of sanctions.'
Barrack pointed to signs of Syria's reintegration in the region, citing investment from Turkey and Gulf countries, renewed diplomatic outreach, and what he described as 'a clear vision for the future.'
Amid speculation over potential Syrian pressure on Lebanon, Barrack stressed that Damascus' intentions are rooted in regional partnership.
'I can assure that Syria's leaders only want coexistence and mutual prosperity with Lebanon,' he said. 'The United States is committed to supporting that relationship between two equal and sovereign neighbors enjoying peace and prosperity.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
LBCI
9 hours ago
- LBCI
US backs $100M Super Tucano support for Lebanon in key show of military aid
Report by Edmond Sassine, English adaptation by Akram Chehayeb In a delicate moment for Lebanon, the Pentagon announced that the U.S. State Department had approved a deal to sell support equipment for the Lebanese Air Force's A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, worth up to $100 million. The agreement includes maintenance services, spare parts, and technical training, noting that this deal requires congressional approval. The initial confusion sparked by the announcement raised the question: how will Lebanon pay this amount, and from where? However, according to three specialized sources that LBCI spoke to, the $100 million is a donation from the United States within the security assistance program for the Lebanese army. Thus, it is not a sales contract but a grant. The approval simply means allowing Lebanon to receive this equipment worth that amount within the U.S. financial aid allocated to Lebanon. According to the information obtained, the amount covers a contract for aircraft maintenance, technical consultations, and training over a five-year period. The military support aims to maintain the operational effectiveness of the six Super Tucano aircraft that the United States delivered to the Lebanese Air Force in two batches in 2017 and 2018. Sources claim that the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, manufactured by the Brazilian company Embraer, are equipped with—and armed—using American technology and electronics, as well as command and control systems. These systems are among the most modern in the world and are also found on fighters such as the F-16 and F-18. Former Commander of the Lebanese Air Force, Brigadier General P.S.C. Pilot Ziad Heikal, previously stated that Lebanon's Super Tucano aircraft are uniquely equipped to fire laser-guided missiles. It is characterized by its inexpensive operational cost, high efficiency, and provides close air support to friendly forces, enabling the use of laser-guided weapons. It also sends live imagery to operations rooms during the mission. The Pentagon's announcement is not only related to its military value but also to its political significance and the United States' continued support for the Lebanese army, as well as the preservation and enhancement of its capabilities.
LBCI
9 hours ago
- LBCI
Mixed signals from US envoy Tom Barrack: Lebanon-Israel mediation stirs politics; Hezbollah 'pushes back'
Report by Joe Farchakh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian 'We put together a negotiating team and started to be an intermediary [...] My belief is that's happening in spades.' With that statement, delivered during a press conference in New York, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack stirred Lebanese political circles Saturday after revealing a direct American role in facilitating undisclosed talks between Lebanon and Israel — despite Lebanon's clear legal ban on any direct contact with Israel. So, is Barrack referring to U.S.-backed backchannel mediation involving both Lebanese and Israeli representatives? Or is he pointing to a different committee? Sources further told LBCI, 'If there are direct talks, then what is Barrack here to do?' They added that what Barrack referred to pertains only to the 'mechanism' — meaning the committee overseeing the ceasefire agreement. According to LBCI information, Barrack has a roadmap for action — a paper outlining how to implement the agreement. The sources added that the U.S. envoy expressed doubt about the current committee's effectiveness in stopping violations and holding violators accountable. Barrack, they said, is working to either reactivate the current committee with American guarantees or replace it altogether if negotiations fail. Barrack also stressed the need to support the Lebanese army, enabling it to deploy in the south, dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure and confiscate its weapons. He noted that the Lebanese government has delayed addressing Hezbollah's weapons out of fear of civil war. He also drew a distinction between Hezbollah's military and political branches. In response, Hezbollah sources told LBCI, 'There are no two wings within the party. Any attempt to treat Hezbollah as a dual-structured organization is categorically rejected.' The sources added that Barrack's remarks, despite their 'flattering tone,' do not deceive the group, which views any American approach with caution — especially under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, whom Hezbollah accuses of dishonesty and deception, as seen in the Iran file. From Hezbollah's perspective, no discussion of any national defense strategy is possible until Israel complies with the ceasefire agreement and U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701: halting daily violations and aggressions, withdrawing from Lebanese territory, and releasing detainees. The sources concluded by emphasizing that the national defense strategy remains an entirely internal matter. No external party has any say. Barrack also addressed Lebanon's ties with Syria, warning of the danger that Lebanon could fall further into the grip of regional powers if it fails to act on Hezbollah's weapons stockpiles. He warned that Lebanon must resolve this issue, or it could face a real existential threat — so much so that if "Lebanon doesn't move, it's going to be Bilad al-Sham again." Sources familiar with the matter noted that during his recent visit to Beirut, Barrack reassured Lebanese officials that border demarcation with Syria would be completed and that there is no intention to annex Lebanon to Syria, contrary to what some circles are promoting.
LBCI
9 hours ago
- LBCI
Tom Barrack says US mediating undisclosed Lebanon-Israel talks
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack revealed that the United States has facilitated undisclosed talks between Lebanon and Israel. In a press interview, Barrack said a negotiating team was formed and that Washington has begun acting as a mediator, with talks moving quickly. He also called for empowering the Lebanese army to lead disarmament efforts, warning that if Lebanon fails to act, 'it's going to be Bilad al-Sham again.' Barrack cited Syrians as saying, 'Lebanon is our beach resort.'
