US Ambassador Addresses Rome Talks and Pilot Areas
8/3/2026 12:26:24 PM
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa issued the following statement:
“I am pleased that the talks in Rome are still ongoing, and I hope the two governments will succeed in reaching positive outcomes. A significant amount of technical work remains to be done to ensure the safety of civilians on the ground.
There is a fundamental difference between drafting an agreement on paper and implementing it responsibly. Rushing ahead could put at risk the civilians whom this process is intended to protect.
We believe that taking the necessary time to get this work right from the outset is the best course of action, as it will help enable subsequent pilot areas to be launched more efficiently.
Above all, the two sides should agree on a clear and practical mechanism before moving on to the next phase.”
“I am pleased that the talks in Rome are still ongoing, and I hope the two governments will succeed in reaching positive outcomes. A significant amount of technical work remains to be done to ensure the safety of civilians on the ground.
There is a fundamental difference between drafting an agreement on paper and implementing it responsibly. Rushing ahead could put at risk the civilians whom this process is intended to protect.
We believe that taking the necessary time to get this work right from the outset is the best course of action, as it will help enable subsequent pilot areas to be launched more efficiently.
Above all, the two sides should agree on a clear and practical mechanism before moving on to the next phase.”