US Deputy Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus called on Friday for the urgent and complete disarmament of Hezbollah, stressing that legitimate arms must remain solely in the hands of the Lebanese state.
In an exclusive statement to Al Jadeed, Ortagus emphasized that genuine economic and financial reforms are not only vital for building a functional Lebanese state, but also essential in reducing corruption and cutting off Hezbollah’s access to illegal funding channels. She asserted that Lebanon's stability and ability to attract international support hinge on ending the influence of armed non-state actors.
“Disarming militias and terrorist groups, alongside enacting long-overdue reforms, is the only way to unlock real and sustainable investment in Lebanon,” Ortagus stated. She added that without decisive action, Lebanon risks being left behind regionally and globally, politically isolated and economically stagnant.
Her remarks come at a time when Lebanon faces mounting economic hardship, institutional gridlock and growing international pressure to implement structural reforms.
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