Morgan Ortagus, U.S. deputy special envoy for the Middle East, met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, emphasizing Lebanon’s potential for reform and the necessity of keeping Hezbollah disarmed and out of government. She linked the pressure on Hezbollah to U.S. strategies countering Iran’s influence, expressing strong support for Lebanon’s future economic revival.
Morgan Ortagus, the U.S. deputy special envoy for the Middle East, recently met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace during her first visit to Lebanon. Following the meeting, Ortagus expressed gratitude towards President Aoun and the Lebanese government, praising the country and its people for their beauty and resilience.
During the press conference, Ortagus conveyed optimism about Lebanon’s future, highlighting a newfound excitement among both the United States and the global Lebanese diaspora, largely attributed to Hezbollah’s recent defeats. She commended Lebanese leaders for their commitment to anti-corruption reforms and emphasized the importance of keeping Hezbollah out of government roles.
Ortagus connected the ongoing pressure on Hezbollah to broader U.S. strategies to counter Iranian influence in the region, stating that efforts must begin with curtailing Iran’s support for terror proxies. She reiterated Washington’s firm stance against Iran’s regional maneuvers and nuclear ambitions, asserting that this policy directly impacts Lebanon.
Expressing the U.S. commitment to Lebanon, Ortagus noted the potential of the country and the importance of fostering business partnerships. She stated, “You deserve to have the most impressive businessmen and women… from around the world investing here.” Ortagus conveyed her hope for Lebanon to reclaim its status as a beacon of hope in the Middle East.
In conclusion, Ortagus’s statements reflect a strategic U.S. interest in maintaining stability in Lebanon while combating Hezbollah and Iranian influences, aligning with efforts for national reform and economic revitalization. Her remarks indicate diplomatic support and a commitment to fostering Lebanese prosperity.
The meeting between Morgan Ortagus and President Joseph Aoun highlights ongoing U.S. interests in Lebanon, especially regarding Hezbollah’s influence and the need for reform in Lebanese governance. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, has been a significant target of U.S. foreign policy, aiming to undermine its political and military capabilities. The United States views Lebanon’s political stability and economic recovery as interlinked with reducing Hezbollah’s power and influence in the region.
Ortagus’s visit underscores U.S. advocacy for Lebanese sovereignty, reform, and economic growth while maintaining pressure on Hezbollah and its Iranian backers. The U.S. seeks to promote a prosperous and stable Lebanon that can withstand external threats and influence, supporting democratic governance and combatting corruption.
Original Source: www.lbcgroup.tv
