Latest news with #JosephAoun
LBCI
17 hours ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Tom Barrack meets Lebanese leaders as US-Lebanon talks stall on Hezbollah arms
Report by Bassam Abou Zeid, English adaptation by Mariella Succar There is no agreement between Lebanon and the United States regarding the approach to addressing Hezbollah's weapons. Washington, through its presidential envoy Tom Barrack, reiterated the urgent need to implement the state's commitment to disarmament, regardless of the developments in Lebanon and the region. Lebanon, which previously linked disarmament to Israel fulfilling its obligations—such as withdrawing from occupied areas, halting violations, and releasing detainees—tied the issue during Thursday's talks to the ongoing regional situation. According to a statement posted on the Presidency's official X account, President Joseph Aoun told Barrack that communications to achieve the principle of exclusive weapons control on both Lebanese and Palestinian levels are ongoing and will intensify once the regional situation stabilizes amid the escalating Israeli-Iranian conflict. Aoun also noted that the army's mission in southern Litani to implement U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement has been hindered by Israel's continued occupation of the Shebaa Farms and its surroundings. In this context, Aoun reportedly reiterated the 'step-for-step' approach, meaning Israel must take steps on issues such as withdrawal, violations, and detainees, which would be met by corresponding Lebanese steps related to Hezbollah's weapons. The U.S. envoy also heard from President Aoun that Lebanon does not wish to be drawn into the ongoing war between Israel and Iran. Barrack urged Lebanese authorities to intensify cooperation with the new Syrian regime, particularly regarding border control and demarcation between the two countries. From Ain al-Tineh, the headquarters of the Parliament Speaker, Barrack said in response to a question that Hezbollah's involvement in the current war would be a very bad decision. Reports indicate that the message Barrack received from Speaker Nabih Berri was similar to that conveyed by President Aoun in Baabda. Berri emphasized that Lebanon has fulfilled its responsibilities, while the problem lies with Israel, which continues to violate U.N. Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement, and maintains occupation, attacks, and assassinations. At the Grand Serail, Tom Barrack continued talks with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. They agreed on keeping Lebanon out of the war and on continuing state efforts to assert sovereignty, address Hezbollah's weapons, and resolve issues with Israel. They also agreed to pursue reforms and strengthen communication with Syria. Barrack, who has officially and temporarily taken charge of Lebanon affairs following his work on Syria, is expected to return to Beirut soon after briefing President Donald Trump on the results of his initial visit.
Nahar Net
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Aoun says arms talks to 'intensify' when regional stability returns
by Naharnet Newsdesk 19 June 2025, 15:57 President Joseph Aoun on Thursday told visiting U.S. envoy Tom Barrack that contacts are ongoing to address the issue of the arms of Hezbollah and the Palestinian factions in Lebanon, adding that the talks will intensify 'after the stabilization of the situation in the region which deteriorated due to the escalation of the Israel-Iranian conflict.' 'Lebanon is looking forward to the United States' support in what it is doing to achieve revival on the various levels, topped by consolidating security and stability in the South through the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the five occupied hills, the cessation of hostilities and extending the term of U.N. forces,' Aoun added, telling Barrack that 'Lebanon has decided to increase the number of army troops in the area south of the Litani to 10,000 soldiers.' 'The army units deployed south of the Litani are continuing to fully implement Resolution 1701 in terms of removing armed appearances, confiscating weapons and arms, and preventing any armed presence other than that of security forces, but they have so far been unable to continue their mission due to the continued Israeli occupation of the five hills and the areas around them,' the president added. Barrack for his part conveyed 'the U.S. desire to help Lebanon overcome the circumstances and challenges it is facing,' the Presidency said. He added that Trump 'wants to help Lebanon and the neighboring country in having safety, stability and peace.'
LBCI
a day ago
- Politics
- LBCI
President Aoun tells US envoy Barrack that Israel's withdrawal is key to stability, urges continued support for reforms
President Joseph Aoun told U.S. envoy Ambassador Thomas Barrack that Lebanon is counting on Washington's support for its efforts to recover across various sectors—starting with securing stability in the south through the withdrawal of Israeli forces from five occupied hills, ending hostile actions, and renewing the mandate of UNIFIL, which operates in coordination with the Lebanese army to implement U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. Aoun affirmed that the Lebanese army deployed south of the Litani River continues to fully implement Resolution 1701 by removing armed presence, confiscating weapons and ammunition, and preventing any non-state armed groups. However, he said the army has been unable to complete its mission due to Israel's continued occupation of the five hills and surrounding areas. He also informed Barrack that Lebanon's reform process has begun and will continue, alongside anti-corruption efforts and the activation of state institutions to ensure they keep pace with national development goals.
MTV Lebanon
a day ago
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Aoun Urges US Support for Southern Stability and Anti-Corruption Reforms
President Joseph Aoun assured US Ambassador Tom Barrack that Lebanon looks forward to Washington's support in its efforts to revive the country on various levels, foremost among them securing safety and stability in the south through the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the five occupied hills, the cessation of hostile acts, and the extension of UNIFIL's mandate. UNIFIL works in coordination with the Lebanese Army to implement Resolution 1701. President Aoun said: "The army deployed south of the Litani River continues to fully implement Resolution 1701 by removing armed manifestations, confiscating weapons and ammunition, and preventing any armed presence other than security agencies. However, it has been unable to complete its mission due to the ongoing Israeli occupation of the five hills and their surroundings." He emphasized to Barrack that the reform process has started and will not stop, alongside combating corruption and activating state institutions and agencies to keep pace with developments in various fields.
LBCI
a day ago
- Politics
- LBCI
US envoy Tom Barrack temporarily takes lead on Lebanon, presses for progress on Hezbollah weapons issue
Sources at Baabda Palace stated that U.S. envoy Tom Barrack informed President Joseph Aoun that he would temporarily handle diplomatic efforts related to Lebanon until a permanent envoy is appointed. According to the sources, Barrack pressed for faster progress on the issue of Hezbollah's weapons, though he did not set a specific deadline. The sources added that he appeared understanding of Lebanon's stance and that the Lebanese side reiterated its demands for Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas, an end to violations, and the release of prisoners. They also noted that talks have returned to the "step-for-step" approach—under which Israeli measures on the weapons issue would be met with reciprocal steps from Lebanon. Barrack reportedly urged greater coordination between Lebanon and Syria on border demarcation but did not directly address the issues of the Shebaa Farms or the village of Ghajar.
