المبعوث الأمريكي: نسعى لتسوية شاملة

The American envoy Tom Barak announced that he received the Lebanese government's response to the American paper, and we are satisfied and grateful, and we will delve into its details in preparation for reaching a comprehensive settlement.

He confirmed after meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that Lebanon and the region are going through a "exciting and important phase," considering that the opportunity is ripe today for everyone to end the conflict with Israel and move towards a new phase of peace and stability.

He said in a press conference following his official meetings in Beirut today (Monday): "President Donald Trump respects Lebanon, and he announced his commitment to support it in the path of peace and prosperity."

Barak stated: "We are now in the process of formulating a plan for the future regarding Lebanon, and this requires in-depth dialogue and genuine partnership, as change is in the hands of the Lebanese, and we will be alongside them if they decide to pursue it."

He added: "We do not dictate to Lebanon how it should deal with the Hezbollah arms file; this is an internal Lebanese decision, but we would like to see a responsible handling of this file, as the region is changing rapidly, and anyone who falls behind on change will incur losses."

He emphasized that everyone is tired of chaos and conflicts, and it is time to seize this historic moment to bring about a real transformation towards stability, adding: "We feel hopeful, and we believe that Lebanon has a real opportunity to move forward, and we are committed to supporting it in this journey."

The American envoy's press conference seemed like a preliminary sketch for a new roadmap that not only defines the future of Lebanese-American relations but also outlines the movement for all internal parties, especially Hezbollah. Washington, while pretending to be neutral on the arms issue, has left stark signals that change has become a necessity, not an option.

As Barak returns to Washington, attention turns to the anticipated meeting between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where decisions may be made that go beyond the Lebanese response itself, affecting Lebanon's position in a reshaped Middle East under the banners of peace... or subjugation.

Leaks indicate that the Lebanese response includes:

First: Commitment to the understandings of the cessation of hostilities resulting from Resolution 1701.

Second: The importance of renewing UNIFIL's mandate and supporting the Lebanese army, enabling it to perform its tasks in coordination with the Lebanese army, and calling on the international community to enhance logistical and financial support for the Lebanese army to allow it to expand its deployment in the area south of the Litani.

- Third: The dismantling of Hezbollah's facilities south of the Litani, in the context of strengthening the authority of the state and asserting its sovereignty, and establishing an area free of any armed manifestations outside the framework of the state.

- Fourth: The Israeli withdrawal from the five points and disputed areas, foremost among them the Shebaa Farms and the Kfarshouba Hills, and renewing the demand for the return of Lebanese prisoners and detainees held by the occupation authorities, and clarifying the fate of the missing.

- Fifth: Emphasizing the implementation of the Taif Agreement and Resolution 1701.

- Sixth: Activating the "mechanism committee" and stopping aggressions, and calling on the United States to play an active role in pressuring Israel to stop its repeated aggressions against Lebanon and to ensure respect for the understandings of the cessation of hostilities.

- Seventh: Lebanon calls for Arab sponsorship of the Lebanese-Syrian relationship to ensure the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees, emphasizing the importance of controlling the Lebanese-Syrian borders.

- Eighth: Adhering to the oath speech and the ministerial statement, especially concerning the protection of sovereignty, the implementation of reforms, and adherence to the authority of the state and its institutions.

- Ninth: Continuing on the path of financial and economic reforms, and this commitment is included in the context of rebuilding trust in the Lebanese economy and restoring its natural relationship with the international financial system.

- Tenth: The importance of reconstruction and facilitating Lebanon's commitments to place the arms of Palestinian factions on the negotiating table in accordance with the Taif Agreement and the provisions of the resolution.