After several days of speculation, confusion and analysis based on exaggerated reports, a statement from a U.S. State Department spokesperson set the record straight. It said the Lebanese government is the only legitimate interlocutor in discussions concerning Lebanon’s future and the only party authorized to speak on behalf of the Lebanese people. As for Hezbollah, the statement said, the only demand is that it disarm. Some context Washington sets record straight: 'Only the government is legitimate for negotiating Lebanon's future' In other words, reports that U.S. officials were considering opening a direct channel of communication with Hezbollah proved unfounded, or at the very least inaccurate.Some media outlets had even reported that an initial meeting could soon take place in Turkey under Turkish mediation — a scenario that...
After several days of speculation, confusion and analysis based on exaggerated reports, a statement from a U.S. State Department spokesperson set the record straight. It said the Lebanese government is the only legitimate interlocutor in discussions concerning Lebanon’s future and the only party authorized to speak on behalf of the Lebanese people. As for Hezbollah, the statement said, the only demand is that it disarm. Some context Washington sets record straight: 'Only the government is legitimate for negotiating Lebanon's future' In other words, reports that U.S. officials were considering opening a direct channel of communication with Hezbollah proved unfounded, or at the very least inaccurate.Some media outlets had even reported that an initial meeting could soon take place in Turkey under Turkish mediation — a scenario...
