Steve Witkoff Refutes Claims of Lebanon-Israel Negotiation Talks

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff denies claims of talks with Lebanese officials on negotiations with Israel, asserting Lebanon’s sovereignty and the U.S. support for its government. He criticized the report as false and emphasized Lebanon’s independent decision-making ability.

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Mr. Steve Witkoff, has refuted a media report regarding purported discussions with an unnamed Lebanese official in Doha, labeling the claims as “baseless, false, and misleading.” His office asserted that spreading misinformation generates confusion and diminishes the credibility of press organizations.

The statement further emphasized Lebanon’s status as an independent nation, highlighting its capacity to make its own sovereign decisions. The administration trusts the Lebanese government in navigating its affairs independently.

Witkoff’s office underscored that the United States continues to support the Lebanese government led by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. This support is focused on Lebanon’s efforts to enhance state sovereignty, implement necessary reforms, and respond to the citizens’ demands.

The report in An-Nahar mentioned Witkoff expressing dissatisfaction regarding the performance of Lebanese officials in addressing Hezbollah-related challenges. Furthermore, it suggested that Lebanon might engage in direct political negotiations with Israel, potentially assigning a civilian representative for this task.

In summary, Steve Witkoff strongly denied allegations of talks with Lebanon concerning negotiations with Israel, reinforcing Lebanon’s sovereignty. The U.S. government continues to endorse the Lebanese leadership while emphasizing its commitment to support the nation’s reforms and state sovereignty efforts. This incident highlights the importance of accurate reporting in media and the complexities of Lebanon’s political landscape.

Original Source: naharnet.com