US congressional delegation presses Lebanon on Hezbollah disarmament
US congressional staff from both parties met Lebanon's political and military leadership in Beirut last week, seeking a first-hand assessment of the country's security challenges as Washington presses for progress on Hezbollah's disarmament . The delegation, organised by the American Task Force on Lebanon , included Republican and Democratic staff from both chambers of Congress, including aides…
A bipartisan delegation from the US Congress visited Lebanon last week, seeking insights into the country's security challenges and progress on Hezbollah's disarmament. The American Task Force on Lebanon organized the trip, which included staff from both the House and Senate foreign affairs committees. The group met with US Ambassador Michel Issa, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri.
They also spoke with the army commander, ministers, and members of parliament. The June framework agreement calls for Hezbollah's disarmament and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. However, the Lebanese army is facing frustration over the pace of Israel's withdrawal and demands verification before any further retreats.
Israel insists on Hezbollah's disarmament before any withdrawal, while Hezbollah opposes Beirut's talks with Israel and refuses to disarm until Israeli forces leave. US officials announced a new round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in Rome in early September. The delegation visited a shelter for displaced Lebanese to witness the humanitarian impact of the conflict and met with the central bank governor to discuss the banking sector, monetary stability, economic recovery, and governance reforms.
The visit aimed to provide congressional staff with a closer look at Lebanon's security challenges and help Lebanese officials understand Washington's approach under the US-backed framework.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
