Morcos Reveals Post-Washington Plans: US Support, Direct Flights, and Investment Efforts
Information Minister Paul Morcos said US support for Lebanon was expanding beyond military assistance to include efforts to mobilise international backing, encourage investment and potentially participate in a conference to support Lebanon following President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Washington.
Morcos said in an interview that the Lebanese government was completing the logistical and technical arrangements needed to launch direct flights between Lebanon and the United States, describing the move as a breakthrough after four decades without a direct air link. He said renewed US encouragement had helped ease security concerns that had long discouraged American investment and direct aviation links.
Morcos reaffirmed confidence in the Lebanese Armed Forces, saying Aoun had made clear during his meeting with US President Donald Trump that the army was fully capable of carrying out its national responsibilities. He said US military assistance and training programmes were expected to continue and could be expanded, strengthening the army’s operational readiness.
He described the army’s deployment in the pilot area of Zawtar al-Gharbiya as an initial model that would be assessed and refined, while reiterating Lebanon’s demand for a full Israeli withdrawal. Morcos also said Trump’s suggestion of engaging with Hezbollah, if requested by Aoun, underscored that the Lebanese state remained the sole authority for handling such initiatives. On Syria, he said bilateral ties were evolving toward a relationship between two sovereign states, with existing agreements under review to ensure greater balance and mutual respect.
