US Envoy Ortagus Praises Lebanese Army's Efforts to Centralize Weapon Control
During her visit to Beirut, US envoy Morgan Ortagus met with key Lebanese officials, emphasizing Washington’s commitment to the country's security and stability.
BEIRUT: US envoy Morgan Ortagus on Tuesday commended the Lebanese army for its implementation of the government-approved plan aimed at centralizing weapon control under state authority.
According to an official source speaking to Arab News, Ortagus reaffirmed the US administration’s dedication to ensuring Lebanon's security and stability.
Having arrived in Beirut on Monday evening, Ortagus conducted meetings with various Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
Her schedule also includes attending a session of the Mechanism Committee at the UN Interim Force in Lebanon’s headquarters in Naqoura on Wednesday.
During her meetings, Ortagus remained tight-lipped regarding any public statements.
The official source described her meeting with President Aoun as positive, noting that she viewed the work of the Mechanism Committee favorably.
There was an emphasis on finding methods to implement the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which has been in effect since November 27, as a means to contribute to Lebanon’s stability.
Following a meeting with Berri, reports suggested that Ortagus proposed expanding the Mechanism Committee to include civilian members, as opposed to its current composition of military officers only.
Additionally, Ortagus discussed an Israeli claim regarding arms smuggling from Syria to Lebanon but clarified that this matter has not yet been confirmed by the US administration.
President Aoun stressed the importance of activating the Mechanism Committee to halt ongoing Israeli violations and attacks on Lebanon while pushing for the implementation of Resolution 1701 in the south, enabling the Lebanese army’s completion of its deployment along the southern international border.
He also called for paving the way for displaced citizens to return home and repair damaged properties as winter approaches.
During her visit to Israel, Ortagus toured the border with Lebanon alongside Tel Aviv’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz.
Katz reaffirmed Israel's commitment to defending northern regions against any threats.
The Lebanese army took action on Tuesday by dismantling an earthen embankment built by the Israeli army in Markaba town within Marjayoun in southern Lebanon.
According to Israeli Broadcasting Corp., Israeli security sources claimed that Hezbollah successfully smuggled hundreds of short-range missiles from Syria into Lebanon during recent months, despite some attempts at thwarting these shipments.
Tel Aviv has informed Washington regarding the details of these smuggling operations across the Syrian-Lebanese border.
Israel Hayom reported that official estimates suggest that Hezbollah possesses approximately 10,000 missiles.
If the Lebanese government fails to disarm Hezbollah, Israeli officials have indicated a possibility of carrying out targeted operations against the group's strongholds.
Parallel to Ortagus' visit, Egyptian Intelligence Chief Maj. Gen. Hassan Rashad arrived in Beirut and met with Aoun.
Rashad expressed Egypt’s readiness to support Lebanon's stability in southern regions and reiterated its commitment to ending the volatile security situation there.
He also referenced Egypt's experience from the Gaza agreement and Sharm El-Sheikh summit as a potential solution for Lebanon.
Aoun welcomed any Egyptian effort to help cease Israeli attacks on Lebanon and restore stability.
On Monday, Egyptian Ambassador to Lebanon Alaa Moussa explained that Rashad’s visit falls within the framework of security and political coordination with Lebanon.
Moussa acknowledged the escalating pace and scope of Israeli attacks necessitating cautious measures.
According to an official source speaking to Arab News, Ortagus reaffirmed the US administration’s dedication to ensuring Lebanon's security and stability.
Having arrived in Beirut on Monday evening, Ortagus conducted meetings with various Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
Her schedule also includes attending a session of the Mechanism Committee at the UN Interim Force in Lebanon’s headquarters in Naqoura on Wednesday.
During her meetings, Ortagus remained tight-lipped regarding any public statements.
The official source described her meeting with President Aoun as positive, noting that she viewed the work of the Mechanism Committee favorably.
There was an emphasis on finding methods to implement the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which has been in effect since November 27, as a means to contribute to Lebanon’s stability.
Following a meeting with Berri, reports suggested that Ortagus proposed expanding the Mechanism Committee to include civilian members, as opposed to its current composition of military officers only.
Additionally, Ortagus discussed an Israeli claim regarding arms smuggling from Syria to Lebanon but clarified that this matter has not yet been confirmed by the US administration.
President Aoun stressed the importance of activating the Mechanism Committee to halt ongoing Israeli violations and attacks on Lebanon while pushing for the implementation of Resolution 1701 in the south, enabling the Lebanese army’s completion of its deployment along the southern international border.
He also called for paving the way for displaced citizens to return home and repair damaged properties as winter approaches.
During her visit to Israel, Ortagus toured the border with Lebanon alongside Tel Aviv’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz.
Katz reaffirmed Israel's commitment to defending northern regions against any threats.
The Lebanese army took action on Tuesday by dismantling an earthen embankment built by the Israeli army in Markaba town within Marjayoun in southern Lebanon.
According to Israeli Broadcasting Corp., Israeli security sources claimed that Hezbollah successfully smuggled hundreds of short-range missiles from Syria into Lebanon during recent months, despite some attempts at thwarting these shipments.
Tel Aviv has informed Washington regarding the details of these smuggling operations across the Syrian-Lebanese border.
Israel Hayom reported that official estimates suggest that Hezbollah possesses approximately 10,000 missiles.
If the Lebanese government fails to disarm Hezbollah, Israeli officials have indicated a possibility of carrying out targeted operations against the group's strongholds.
Parallel to Ortagus' visit, Egyptian Intelligence Chief Maj. Gen. Hassan Rashad arrived in Beirut and met with Aoun.
Rashad expressed Egypt’s readiness to support Lebanon's stability in southern regions and reiterated its commitment to ending the volatile security situation there.
He also referenced Egypt's experience from the Gaza agreement and Sharm El-Sheikh summit as a potential solution for Lebanon.
Aoun welcomed any Egyptian effort to help cease Israeli attacks on Lebanon and restore stability.
On Monday, Egyptian Ambassador to Lebanon Alaa Moussa explained that Rashad’s visit falls within the framework of security and political coordination with Lebanon.
Moussa acknowledged the escalating pace and scope of Israeli attacks necessitating cautious measures.
