Lebanese-US Summit Marks Official US Recognition of Lebanon's Sovereignty

Minister of Information Paul Marquess characterized the summit between President Joseph Aoun and US President Donald Trump in Washington as "historic," noting it was the first meeting between a Lebanese president and a US president in nearly twenty years. He emphasized that the summit represented an official and practical American recognition of Lebanon's national decision regarding its sovereignty and negotiation position.

In an interview with Al-Hadath channel, Marquess highlighted two key indicators: the warm reception President Aoun received and the meeting's duration exceeding one hour. He pointed out that the political stance was accompanied by practical measures, including US support for the deployment of the Lebanese army, coinciding with the commencement of Israeli withdrawal from areas agreed upon sequentially.

Marquess noted that the summit's outcomes extended beyond military support to include American openness to encouraging investments in Lebanon and reconsidering the suspension of direct flights to Beirut. He also mentioned backing for the reform process and expressed hope that these positions would translate into further practical steps.

He affirmed that President Aoun traveled to Washington based on a position demanding full Israeli withdrawal, cessation of Israeli aggressions, and enabling the Lebanese army to assert authority over the entire national territory with support from the United States and the international community.

Marquess stressed that President Aoun's reaffirmation of his confidence in the army's leadership and personnel carries significant meaning and renews trust in the military institution.

The minister also stated that the stance underpinning the recent presidential visit to the United States aligns with commitment to the constitution and the demand for restoring Lebanese sovereignty.

He clarified that President Aoun acted in accordance with his constitutional oath to uphold sovereign constitutional principles.

Regarding internal political differences, especially opposition parties' positions on the visit such as Hezbollah, Marquess considered that debate within a democratic society is permissible and necessary. From his role as Minister of Information, he called for engaging with political events with the utmost freedom while distancing from "hate speech" and preserving the rights and dignity of others.

On the ground, Marquess described current developments in southern Lebanon, including army deployment and partial Israeli withdrawals, as "delicate and sensitive foundational stages," acknowledging some difficulties. He confirmed that these steps constitute essential building blocks to achieve the desired goal of complete Israeli withdrawal beyond Lebanese borders.

He concluded by pointing to official consensus and clear determination at both the presidential and government levels, including the prime minister and cabinet members, to insist on the demand for full withdrawal. This position is clearly expressed in cabinet sessions and regular ministerial meetings.