US affirms Lebanon affairs to be discussed directly with Beirut

Washington (ANTARA) - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on Tuesday (23/6), asserted that Washington will deal directly with the Government of Lebanon when discussing various issues related to the country.

“That process is separate,” said Rubio while in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), when asked whether the resolution of peace in Lebanon should be decoupled from agreements between the United States and Iran.

“Lebanon is a sovereign nation. Regarding what happens within Lebanon, we will negotiate agreements directly with the Lebanese government,” he stated.

Rubio also revealed that he had spoken with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun shortly before landing in the UAE, amidst ongoing US-facilitated negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington.

“There is an Iranian issue related to Lebanon, namely their support and sponsorship of Hezbollah. That factor will be discussed as part of our conversations with the Iranian side,” Rubio added.

He emphasised that the future of Lebanon lies in the hands of its people and its democratically elected government. Rubio also stressed that Washington will only cooperate with legitimately elected authorities.

Lebanon and Israel are currently undergoing a new round of negotiations in Washington, taking place from 23 to 25 June.