U.S. Ambassador's Statement on Rome Talks... and the Experimental Zones!

Issued by the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Aoun:

"I am pleased that the talks in Rome are still ongoing, and I hope that the two governments will succeed in reaching positive outcomes. There remains a significant amount of technical work required to ensure the safety of civilians on the ground.

There is a crucial difference between drafting an agreement on paper and implementing it responsibly; rushing forward could put civilians—those the operation aims to protect—at risk.

We believe that dedicating the necessary time to carry out this work correctly from the outset is the best choice, as it will enable subsequent experimental zones to launch with greater efficiency.

Above all, the two sides must agree on a clear and practical mechanism before moving on to the next phase."