Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, denied reports of discussions with a Lebanese official regarding negotiations with Israel, labeling them as misleading. He affirmed Lebanon’s sovereignty and the U.S. support for the Lebanese government in its efforts to enhance state authority and reform institutions.

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has refuted claims of discussions with an unspecified Lebanese official in Doha, calling these reports “baseless, false and misleading.” His office criticized the spread of such allegations, stating that it contributes to confusion and damages the credibility of media outlets involved.

Witkoff emphasized Lebanon’s sovereignty, asserting that the country makes its own independent decisions. The statement reiterated that the U.S. trusts the current Lebanese government to manage its affairs competently under President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

The announcement followed a report from An-Nahar newspaper that claimed Witkoff was dissatisfied with the Lebanese officials’ management of Hezbollah. The report also suggested that Lebanon would likely be urged to engage in direct political negotiations with Israel, with a civilian figure tasked for this role, referenced as Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, considered close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In conclusion, Steve Witkoff’s denial of purported discussions about Israel with a Lebanese official highlights the importance of accurate media representation. He reinforced Lebanon’s independence and the U.S.’s support for its government as it addresses internal challenges. These events underscore the complexities of Middle Eastern diplomacy and the necessity of verified information in political discourse.

Original Source: naharnet.com