US envoy Tom Barrack, after meeting with US representative Morgan Ortagus and the accompanying delegation with President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace, stated: “I believe that in the coming weeks we will see significant progress and the beginning of a roadmap for dialogue with all neighbors,” noting that “the next step requires participation from the Israeli side and a plan for Lebanon’s prosperity, not just the reconstruction of the south, and when we talk about disarming, it is in the interest of the Shiites.”

Barrack emphasized that “the Lebanese government has done its part with the first step, and Israel must respond with a step of its own,” adding that “there are no threats, everyone is cooperative, and what we have tried to do is provide guidance to create a stable communication network between Hezbollah, the Shiites, and Israel.” He also added, “There was no American proposal to Israel, and it has not rejected anything; we have started discussions with the Lebanese government and will later discuss with Israel.”

In conclusion, Barrack said: “All Lebanese should feel proud of their government, and Lebanon must be restored as the Pearl of the East.”