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With eyes on Iran, US sharpens Lebanon focus in high-stakes visit
With eyes on Iran, US sharpens Lebanon focus in high-stakes visit

LBCI

time12-06-2025

  • Politics
  • LBCI

With eyes on Iran, US sharpens Lebanon focus in high-stakes visit

Report by Bassam Abou Zeid, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian The Lebanese border file—regarding both Syria and Israel—has been placed in the hands of U.S. Envoy Tom Barrack, who is of Lebanese origin. The Israeli-related part of the file will remain under Barrack's responsibility until Michel Issa is confirmed as Washington's ambassador to Beirut. Issa is also of Lebanese descent. Lebanese American Massad Boulos, U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa, is also expected to be involved. Barrack is scheduled to visit Beirut next week following talks in Israel that will address the situation in Lebanon and Syria. Sources say Barrack's discussions with Lebanese officials will focus on Lebanese-Syrian relations, particularly on the demarcation of the eastern and southeastern land borders, as well as the northern border between the two countries and the maritime boundary. U.S. officials aim to resolve the Lebanese-Syrian dispute over sovereignty in the Shebaa Farms area and to find a solution to the expansion of the occupied Syrian village of Ghajar into Lebanese territory. The talks will also cover how to address the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon. In addition, Barrack may raise—at Syria's request—the matter of Syrian deposits in Lebanese banks. On the Lebanese-Israeli front, Barrack is expected to clearly convey the U.S. position on the necessity of disarming Hezbollah in accordance with U.N. Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement. According to sources, Barrack will tell Lebanese officials that actions—not words—will determine whether serious negotiations can begin regarding Israel's withdrawal from remaining occupied Lebanese territories and the resolution of outstanding issues along the Blue Line. U.S. sources emphasized the significance of the timing of Barrack's visit to Lebanon, which comes amid a regional climate that could see dramatic developments involving Iran—raising the level of U.S. pressure on all regional files, including Lebanon.

Trump says Lebanon has rare chance to break free from 'Hezbollah's grip' and make peace with neighbors
Trump says Lebanon has rare chance to break free from 'Hezbollah's grip' and make peace with neighbors

LBCI

time14-05-2025

  • Politics
  • LBCI

Trump says Lebanon has rare chance to break free from 'Hezbollah's grip' and make peace with neighbors

U.S. President Donald Trump said Lebanon has a rare opportunity to escape what he referred to as 'Hezbollah's grip' and to rebuild a functional state under its new leadership. 'There is a new chance for a future free from the grip of Hezbollah if the new president and prime minister can rebuild an effective Lebanese state,' he said. Speaking at a GCC-U.S. summit, Trump urged Lebanon's leadership to seize the moment and guide the country toward peace and prosperity. 'We just appointed a very good ambassador—a friend of mine, who is Lebanese. I didn't even know that,' Trump stated. 'I said, 'Why do you want to be an ambassador to Lebanon? That could be dangerous.' And he said, 'I don't care. I grew up there. I love the country.' Trump described the new ambassador, Michel Issa, as a capable and "successful man from the United States," signaling Washington's commitment to Lebanon's future. 'This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to forge a Lebanon that is prosperous and at peace with its neighbors,' Trump said. 'And I think things can really happen there.'

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