Barrack after meeting Aoun: Weapons are in the hands of the State, Hezbollah faces its options

U.S. envoy Tom Barrack said he discussed the issue of disarming Hezbollah with Lebanese President Jouce Aoun, emphasizing that the decision belongs solely to the Lebanese state.

Following his meeting at Baabda Palace with Aoun, attended by U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus and U.S. Ambassador Liza Johnson, Barrack stated that the United States poses no threat regarding this matter and that there is cooperation from various parties. He praised the Lebanese government’s step to place weapons under state control, stressing that Hezbollah must consider its options and that no action can be taken without corresponding measures.

Barrack added that the U.S. has not made any proposals to Israel and that implementing the Lebanese decision requires cooperation from Tel Aviv. He noted that the Lebanese government has taken the first step, awaiting a reciprocal move from Israel. He further said the upcoming period will see tangible progress with a roadmap for dialogue between Lebanon and its neighbors, aimed at improving life for Lebanese citizens and the region. He also confirmed that Iran is a partner in this issue, emphasizing that the U.S. role is purely advisory, while dealing with Hezbollah remains an internal Lebanese matter.

Barrack also announced his upcoming meetings with Lebanese officials, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Army Commander General Rudolf Heikal. Meanwhile, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem reiterated his refusal to hand over weapons under current circumstances, warning that any targeting could lead to internal unrest.

Related Topics: President Aoun meets Barrack and Ortagus to discuss the U.S. initiative in Baabda