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American-Lebanese Meetings to Discuss Troop Withdrawal from the South and State Monopoly on Weapons
The US envoy, Morgan Ortagus, is expected to arrive in Beirut today for a visit limited to security-focused meetings, including discussions with Lebanese military officials.
In this context, sources told Bloom Arabie and Al-Hadath that the US delegation will meet with the Oversight Committee responsible for implementing the ceasefire agreement in Ras Naquora, and will also visit the command of the South Litani region in the city of Tyre.
On the eve of Ortagus’s visit, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with the Commander of the US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, urging pressure on Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territories, and to activate the work of the "Mechanism" committee to implement the provisions of the ceasefire agreement.
President Aoun emphasized the importance of continued US support for the Lebanese army to enable it to carry out its various tasks, despite the difficult economic circumstances it faces. He also praised the distinguished efforts of the army. In response, Cooper commended the excellent work done by the Lebanese military.
In related developments, Lebanese Army Commander, General R'adoulf Henge, discussed the general situation in Lebanon and the region, and ways to support the Lebanese army amidst current challenges. The meeting, held in Zahlé city, was attended by a US delegation and the head of the quinquennial oversight committee, Michael J. Lini.
Separately, Lebanese Minister of Displaced Persons Kamel Shmakh told Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath that the army’s plan to control weapons, called "Homeland Shield," consists of five phases.
