U.S. delegation -A high-ranking one- has arrived to Beirut on Thursday for meetings with Lebanese officials scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
Arrival for Key Meetings
This delegation includes Morgan Ortagus, who has replaced Amos Hochstein as the U.S. envoy, Natasha Franceschi, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Syria and the Levant, and other notable members. According to sources from LBCI, this visit primarily serves as an introductory one for Ortagus, marking her first trip to Lebanon following the change in the U.S. administration. The delegation is expected to lead discussions within the committee that monitors the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and Ceasefire Stability
Several key issues are set to be on the agenda during these meetings. The foremost of these includes the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and ensuring the continued stability of the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. The Lebanese delegation is expected to reaffirm its commitment to maintaining the February 18 deadline for Israel’s withdrawal from South Lebanon, with the U.S. delegation appearing determined to see Israeli forces leave by this date. Another major topic of discussion will be the release of seven Lebanese prisoners currently held in Israel.
Demarcation of the Lebanon-Israel Land Border
Another critical issue on the agenda is the demarcation of the land border between Lebanon and Israel. While preliminary agreements have been reached on seven of the 13 disputed points, six points remain unresolved. Morgan Ortagus, the successor to U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, is set to arrive in Beirut on Thursday night.
She will commence her meetings on Friday with President Joseph Aoun and is also expected to visit southern Lebanon to assess the latest developments regarding the ceasefire agreement. During her discussions with Lebanese officials, Ortagus is anticipated to deliver a strongly worded message, warning that Lebanon will face increased isolation and economic devastation unless it forms a government that is committed to reforms, combating corruption, and curbing HA’s influence, according to sources from Reuters.
