United States Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus reiterated Washington’s support for Lebanon’s current presidency and its incoming government during a visit to Beirut on Saturday.
In a meeting with Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, Ortagus affirmed US backing for his future government, highlighting his commitment to financial, judicial and administrative reforms. The discussions, attended by US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson and Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Levant and Syria Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Natasha Franceschi, also touched on the urgency of forming a new government.
For his part, Salam underscored the importance of cooperation with the US and the international community to “help Lebanon rise, rebuild and stabilize.”
He also called for increased international pressure on Israel to fully withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories by February 18, stressing that this should happen “without delay.”
Mikati Calls for Full Implementation of UN Resolution 1701
Earlier on Saturday, Ortagus met with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who emphasized that adherence to international resolutions is key to stabilizing Lebanon, particularly in the south. He urged the US, which co-sponsored the ceasefire agreement with France, to ensure that Israel completes its withdrawal from occupied Lebanese lands by the February 18 deadline.
Mikati also condemned Israel’s “systematic destruction” of southern Lebanese towns and villages, calling for urgent action to resolve ongoing border disputes along the Blue Line.
Meeting with Speaker Berri
Ortagus later held talks with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at Ain al-Tineh, continuing diplomatic discussions on Lebanon’s political and security landscape.
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