Latest news with #MichelIssa
Nahar Net
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Incoming US ambassador to Lebanon says Hezbollah needs to be disarmed
by Naharnet Newsdesk 30 July 2025, 16:09 U.S. ambassador to Lebanon nominee Michel Issa, who is of Lebanese origins, has appeared before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in a hearing on pending nominations. 'They know that if they don't disarm, there is something that's gonna happen. I don't know what's gonna happen, but something needs to happen,' Issa said about Hezbollah. Noting that the Lebanese government would soon meet to discuss the issue of Hezbollah's disarmament, Issa added: 'Maybe that would create some pressure and hopefully it will solve the situation, but Hezbollah needs to go, Hezbollah needs to be disarmed, to bring some kind of hope to Lebanon.'
Nahar Net
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Upcoming US ambassador to Lebanon says Hezbollah needs to be disarmed
by Naharnet Newsdesk 30 July 2025, 16:09 U.S. ambassador to Lebanon nominee Michel Issa, who is of Lebanese origins, has appeared before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in a hearing on pending nominations. 'They know that if they don't disarm, there is something that's gonna happen. I don't know what's gonna happen, but something needs to happen,' Issa said about Hezbollah. Noting that the Lebanese government would soon meet to discuss the issue of Hezbollah's disarmament, Issa added: 'Maybe that would create some pressure and hopefully it will solve the situation, but Hezbollah needs to go, Hezbollah needs to be disarmed, to bring some kind of hope to Lebanon.'
L'Orient-Le Jour
30-07-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Hezbollah disarmament 'essential,' says Michel Issa before U.S. Senate
BEIRUT — Before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Michel Issa, President Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, called for urgent action against Hezbollah, stating that its disarmament is not an option but a necessity. "The full disarmament of Hezbollah is not optional; it is essential. The time to act is now," Issa said in his opening remarks as the Senate considered his nomination. He recalled that he was born in Beirut, studied in France and spent 'most' of his adult life in the United States. "My presence here is a testament to the enduring promise of the American dream, which allowed a young man born in Beirut to become a banker, a businessman, and now, a public servant. If confirmed, I will devote myself fully to advancing American interests and values in Lebano," he said. Stating that he "intimately understands the complexity of Lebanese society," he said that this understanding would guide his efforts to "build bridges, promote unity, and support the country's democratic institutions." "I have remained deeply connected to Lebanon over the years and have witnessed the resilience of its people, despite constant obstacles caused by corruption, economic mismanagement and the violent influence of Hezbollah and its Iranian backers," he added. Returning to the consequences of the recent war between Israel and Hezbollah, Issa considered that although it was "devastating," it had opened "a narrow but significant window" for progress. "We have witnessed promising developments: an independent president and prime minister, reformers, determined to take their country in a new direction," he said. Emphasizing that the Lebanese government has "begun to reduce Hezbollah's influence" since the cease-fire was implemented, he added that "additional, urgent measures are needed." He also said that "the United States must continue to play a leading role in seizing a genuine historic opportunity: demarcating the borders between Israel and Lebanon, and fostering normalization of relations between the two countries." The prospective diplomat also stressed that "rebuilding Lebanon must go hand in hand with serious reforms ensuring transparent distribution of aid and investments." He also insisted on the importance of the role of the Lebanese Army, a "reliable partner," saying that it "is now taking concrete steps to enforce the cease-fire and dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure in the south." "These efforts demonstrate the value of our ongoing security cooperation," he emphasized. Issa made a point of clarifying his loyalty: "To avoid any potential conflict of interest and to demonstrate that my loyalty is exclusively to the United States, I have voluntarily renounced my Lebanese citizenship." The cease-fire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, which went into effect on Nov. 27, called for the total withdrawal of Israeli troops from south Lebanon, where they still occupy five positions on Lebanese territory, continue to carry out ground incursions, and conduct near-daily strikes. On the Lebanese side, it was supposed to lead to Hezbollah's disarmament, primarily south of the Litani River, and then in the country as a whole, as outlined in U.N. Resolution 1701, which serves as the framework for the cease-fire agreement — something the militia party rejects. Israeli attacks on Lebanon over the past eight months have killed more than 270 people.
LBCI
12-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
With eyes on Iran, US sharpens Lebanon focus in high-stakes visit
Report by Bassam Abou Zeid, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian The Lebanese border file—regarding both Syria and Israel—has been placed in the hands of U.S. Envoy Tom Barrack, who is of Lebanese origin. The Israeli-related part of the file will remain under Barrack's responsibility until Michel Issa is confirmed as Washington's ambassador to Beirut. Issa is also of Lebanese descent. Lebanese American Massad Boulos, U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa, is also expected to be involved. Barrack is scheduled to visit Beirut next week following talks in Israel that will address the situation in Lebanon and Syria. Sources say Barrack's discussions with Lebanese officials will focus on Lebanese-Syrian relations, particularly on the demarcation of the eastern and southeastern land borders, as well as the northern border between the two countries and the maritime boundary. U.S. officials aim to resolve the Lebanese-Syrian dispute over sovereignty in the Shebaa Farms area and to find a solution to the expansion of the occupied Syrian village of Ghajar into Lebanese territory. The talks will also cover how to address the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon. In addition, Barrack may raise—at Syria's request—the matter of Syrian deposits in Lebanese banks. On the Lebanese-Israeli front, Barrack is expected to clearly convey the U.S. position on the necessity of disarming Hezbollah in accordance with U.N. Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement. According to sources, Barrack will tell Lebanese officials that actions—not words—will determine whether serious negotiations can begin regarding Israel's withdrawal from remaining occupied Lebanese territories and the resolution of outstanding issues along the Blue Line. U.S. sources emphasized the significance of the timing of Barrack's visit to Lebanon, which comes amid a regional climate that could see dramatic developments involving Iran—raising the level of U.S. pressure on all regional files, including Lebanon.
LBCI
14-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Trump says Lebanon has rare chance to break free from 'Hezbollah's grip' and make peace with neighbors
U.S. President Donald Trump said Lebanon has a rare opportunity to escape what he referred to as 'Hezbollah's grip' and to rebuild a functional state under its new leadership. 'There is a new chance for a future free from the grip of Hezbollah if the new president and prime minister can rebuild an effective Lebanese state,' he said. Speaking at a GCC-U.S. summit, Trump urged Lebanon's leadership to seize the moment and guide the country toward peace and prosperity. 'We just appointed a very good ambassador—a friend of mine, who is Lebanese. I didn't even know that,' Trump stated. 'I said, 'Why do you want to be an ambassador to Lebanon? That could be dangerous.' And he said, 'I don't care. I grew up there. I love the country.' Trump described the new ambassador, Michel Issa, as a capable and "successful man from the United States," signaling Washington's commitment to Lebanon's future. 'This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to forge a Lebanon that is prosperous and at peace with its neighbors,' Trump said. 'And I think things can really happen there.'
