Latest news with #YazidBinFarhan
LBCI
18 hours ago
- Politics
- LBCI
US envoy Tom Barrack's message to Lebanon: One country, one people, one army
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack declared on X that Lebanon stands at a historic crossroads, saying, "The opportunity is in our hands now" as he prepares for crucial talks with Lebanese officials on Monday. Barrack described the coming days as a defining moment in Lebanon's history—a chance to break free from the burdens of sectarian division and move toward the "real promise of a united nation: One country, one people, one army." His remarks came as Lebanese officials finalized their response to the U.S. proposal Barrack presented last month, which focuses on the exclusive control of weapons by the Lebanese state, a core demand from Washington. The statement is widely seen as a calculated effort by the U.S. to pressure Lebanon into advancing negotiations on the American proposal. Israel also exerted its own pressure Friday, launching airstrikes on South Lebanon that killed and wounded several people. Meanwhile, Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan departed Lebanon early Saturday, according to LBCI, following several days of meetings with Lebanese officials, including a second round of talks with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Their discussions focused on Lebanon's response to Barrack's proposal. Sources say Bin Farhan emphasized the importance of Lebanon fulfilling its commitments as outlined in the presidential oath and ministerial statement, particularly regarding arms control and the urgent need to implement long-delayed reforms.
LBCI
a day ago
- Politics
- LBCI
LBCI sources: Saudi envoy departs Lebanon after pushing for arms control and reforms
Amid heightened diplomatic efforts ahead of the anticipated U.S. initiative, Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan left Lebanon at dawn, according to LBCI. Bin Farhan's departure followed a series of high-level meetings with Lebanese officials, including his second sit-down with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Their latest talks centered on the outcome of ongoing discussions regarding Lebanon's formal response to the proposal presented by U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack. According to informed sources, during his meetings, Bin Farhan consistently emphasized the urgent need for Lebanon to fulfill key commitments outlined in the presidential oath and the ministerial policy statement. In particular, he underscored the importance of affirming the exclusive authority of the state over weapons and the necessity of approving and implementing long-overdue reforms.
