Conflicting reports on Lebanese response to US paper
Sources from the presidential panel drafting Lebanon’s response to the U.S. paper have said that “the atmosphere of the discussions is very positive,” in remarks to al-Joumhouria newspaper.
“The viewpoints are all intersecting on what serves Lebanon’s interest, which can be certainly secured through halting Israeli attacks and Israel’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement, the release of the Lebanese captives and withdrawal from the Lebanese areas it is occupying,” the sources added.
A political leader meanwhile told the daily that “the U.S. paper is not sacred” and is merely “the beginning of a discussion.”
“The Americans are saying that it is an opportunity for a political solution and our stance is known to be supportive of political solutions. We are approaching it through keenness on Lebanon’s interest, which means that Lebanon’s interest comes first and that we reject anything that contradicts with this interest,” the political leader added.
Asked about Hezbollah’s arms, the leader said “the president has assumed the responsibility of addressing the file of arms in a calm manner.”
Informed sources meanwhile told the al-Anbaa news portal of the Progressive Socialist Party that “things are headed to solutions” and that “Hezbollah has become convinced that clinging to its arms might bring it harm and make it once again subject to U.S.-backed Israeli strikes.”
“Nothing prevents a repetition of the scenario that was followed with Hamas in the South, Dahieh and Beirut, and accordingly Hezbollah is not willing to engage in a new adventure with Israel,” the sources added.
An-Nahar newspaper meanwhile said that Hezbollah “has not facilitated the mission of the tripartite committee” formed by President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri and PM Nawaf Salam, and that “the committee received several Hezbollah conditions through Berri’s representative that called for rejecting submission to the U.S. and Israeli demands, which at best reflects an intransigent stance.”
