Abi Al-Muna, Issa discuss developments
Druze Sheikh Akl Sami Abi Al-Muna received US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa at the Druze Community headquarters in Verdun, with discussions focusing on the general situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as current political and security developments.
Al-Muna stressed the Druze community’s commitment to unity, dialogue and coexistence, calling on the international community, particularly the United States, to support Lebanon’s recovery and its sovereign demands.
He said the Druze identity was firmly rooted in its Arab and Islamic heritage and that the community remained a partner in building the state and safeguarding Lebanon’s independence and sovereignty.
Addressing developments in Syria’s Sweida, Al-Muna described what had occurred there as a premeditated bloody project, warning against attempts to alter the area’s spiritual and national identity and calling for vigilance to prevent a recurrence.
On Lebanon, he said peace could not be achieved through violations of international resolutions, sovereignty or occupation of territory, airspace and waters.
Israel will not withdraw except under pressure and compulsion, Al-Muna said, adding that if the framework agreement were amended to include a binding timetable for withdrawal, perhaps matters would improve.
He expressed hope that the United States would play a firm role in promoting stability and called for strengthening the capabilities of the Lebanese Army and security forces so that they alone would exercise legitimate authority.
Following the meeting, Issa said discussions with Al-Muna had been highly constructive and focused on Lebanon’s future.
Asked about Hezbollah’s weapons, Issa said Lebanese parties broadly agreed on the need for the state alone to hold authority, while differing over how that objective should be achieved.
The single message is that Hezbollah must hand over its weapons and that the state alone must hold authority, he said.
Issa rejected claims that communication between President Joseph Aoun and Hezbollah had ceased, saying he believed contacts continued directly or indirectly.
He added that developments involving Iran and the United States were affecting discussions in Lebanon, particularly while Hezbollah remained, in his words, tied to Iranian decisions.
Clarifying earlier remarks about possible contacts with Hezbollah, Issa said Washington was not seeking direct negotiations outside the Lebanese state.
If Hezbollah decides to speak with us, let it speak to the Lebanese state, with which we are speaking, and tell it that it is ready to hand over its weapons, he said, adding that any effort to bridge positions would take place through the Lebanese state and negotiations.
Issa said talks between Lebanon and Israel remained state-to-state discussions regardless of Hezbollah’s presence, adding that Washington was working to bring the Lebanese and Israeli sides closer together.
He also said the United States was raising Israeli strikes with Israel, describing them as unacceptable and saying Washington was pressing for them to be reduced.
Issa added that he planned to meet former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt soon.
Separately, Al-Muna received a delegation comprising Displaced Ministry Director General Ahmad Mahmoud, Telecommunications Ministry Director General Bassel Al-Ayoubi and Culture Ministry Director General Ali Al-Samad, with discussions focusing on general affairs and the work of their respective ministries.
