US Envoy Barak: Working Towards Stability in Lebanon

In a continuous diplomatic effort, the United States Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Lebanon and Syria, Thomas Barak, discussed on Tuesday with Lebanese Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri, the latest developments in Lebanon and the region. This visit, Barak's third to Beirut, comes within the context of intensive American efforts to de-escalate tensions and achieve stability in southern Lebanon.

Speaker Berri received Ambassador Barak and his accompanying delegation at the presidential palace, in the presence of the US Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, and Speaker Berri's media advisor, Ali Hamdan. The meeting focused on "developments in Lebanon and the region, and political and field updates," indicating the importance of the issues on the table.

Following the meeting, Barak described the talks as "excellent," affirming that the United States is "working hard to achieve stability, and you must have hope." These statements reflect Washington's commitment to pushing for sustainable solutions to the Lebanese and regional crises.

The US envoy arrived in Beirut last Sunday for his third visit as part of his shuttle diplomacy to meet with Lebanese officials. On Monday, he met with the President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, and the Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam. During his meeting with President Aoun, the US presidential envoy received "the comprehensive memorandum project" on behalf of the Lebanese state. This memorandum aims to implement what Lebanon has pledged since the announcement of the cessation of hostilities agreement between Lebanon and Israel on November 27, leading up to the current Lebanese government's ministerial statement.

It is worth noting that Barak's successive visits are part of a multi-stage diplomatic process. During his first visit on June 19, he handed Lebanese officials proposals for implementing security arrangements for the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel. In his second visit, which took place on the seventh of this month, Barak received a response from President Aoun to the proposals he had delivered to Lebanese officials during his first visit. This continuous exchange of documents and proposals confirms the seriousness of the negotiations and efforts aimed at consolidating the truce and avoiding escalation.