Details of US envoy's proposal for Lebanon revealed

Nahar Net

a day ago

by Naharnet Newsdesk 13 hours
A high-ranking political source, familiar with ongoing talks, has confirmed to al-Joumhouria newspaper that U.S. envoy Tom Barrack's six-page paper presented to Lebanon focuses on Hezbollah's disarmament, as well as that of other factions, and Lebanon's relationship with Syria, including border demarcation.
The document also emphasizes the implementation of financial reforms as a prerequisite for reconstruction, in exchange for Israel's complete withdrawal and cessation of violations, including assassinations against Hezbollah commanders and members.
The source revealed that the document also proposes a new path, facilitated by the United Nations, to resolve the issue of Lebanese prisoners held by Israel.
The paper also contains two options for Lebanon to choose from according to the source. The first option calls for President Joseph Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri to secure a commitment from Hezbollah to implement the proposal's provisions. The second option calls for Cabinet to unanimously issue a resolution adopting the proposal, which Hezbollah would fully and officially endorse.
Although the document does not specify a deadline, the source said Barrack mentioned a four-month timeline for achieving arms monopoly in the hands of the state across Lebanon, not only south of the Litani River. This would involve disarming all unauthorized militias, with the entire agreement to be implemented by the end of the current year, al-Joumhouria reported.