US envoy voices hope for progress in Lebanese group Hezbollah's disarmament

ISTANBUL

The US special envoy for Syria on Monday expressed optimism regarding the process of Hezbollah's disarmament, stressing that it is a sovereign decision of Lebanon.

“I believe we will witness progress in several areas in the coming weeks, and this progress means a better life for the Lebanese people and their neighbors, as well as the beginning of a roadmap,” Tom Barrack said in a press conference following a meeting with President Joseph Aoun in the Lebanese capital Beirut.

An accompanying US delegation also joined the meeting, according to the Lebanese Presidency.

Barrack emphasized that the US delegation has “no threats regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah.”

“There is cooperation from all sides. We are not here to intimidate anyone. The positive outcomes will benefit Hezbollah, Lebanon, and Israel alike,” he said.

Barrack noted that the US initiated discussions with the Lebanese government before presenting any roadmap to Israel.

“We seek a better future for Lebanon and its neighbors. The issue of disarmament is a sovereign decision for the Lebanese state,” he added.

Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Türkiye, arrived in Beirut on Sunday evening for his fourth visit since June.