Rajji: Johnson did not set a deadline for the Israeli withdrawal
While the U.S. ambassador did not make any statement, Radio Free Lebanon (RLL) had a conversation with Minister Rajji, who denied the circulating media reports about the implementation of Chapter Seven on Lebanese territory.
He said in an interview with RLL: "We have not received any official communication regarding this matter from the United States." He added, "I met today with US Ambassador Lisa Johnson, and we discussed all topics. The issue of Chapter Seven was never raised."
He continued: "We discussed the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, developments in the south, and also US aid related to USAID, which has been suspended globally. However, military assistance to the Lebanese Army has not stopped but will increase, as Washington will provide additional aid packages."
In response to RLL's question about whether the US ambassador set a final deadline for the Israeli withdrawal from the south, Rajji replied: "She did not give any deadline. This matter requires further discussions."
Regarding another question about the ministerial statement, Rajji said: "The American side did not discuss the ministerial statement with us. It was purely a Lebanese matter, as discussed by the special ministerial committee, which issued an excellent ministerial statement."
Regarding his opinion on the ministerial statement, he felt it was very clear in its text and language, especially regarding the exclusive control of arms by the Lebanese state, as well as the decision of war and peace.
As for his meeting with the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon Mostafa Amani, Rajji revealed that the meeting was to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries. "I was very clear about the old and current relations between the two countries, and the conversation was very frank."
On the issue of Iranian aviation, Rajji said: "I confirmed to the Iranian ambassador that I had asked Middle East Airlines to organize flights to Iran to bring back Lebanese citizens stranded abroad, but I emphasized the importance of not violating Lebanese sovereignty and the relations between the two countries."
Rajji did not dismiss the possibility of conducting transit for Lebanese citizens stranded in Iran to Iraq or any other country, and then to Beirut.
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