Deputy US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, concluded a series of meetings in Beirut with top Lebanese officials, focusing on escalating tensions in southern Lebanon, border security, and urgent economic reforms.
The visit comes amid intensified Israeli assaults on Lebanese territory, including recent strikes on residential areas in Beirut’s southern suburbs and the city of Sidon.
I accepted today the invitation of @MorganOrtagus, U.S. Deputy Envoy to the Middle East, for lunch at the residence of U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson in Awkar. We discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and the region. Also attending the meeting was Natasha Franceschi, Deputy… pic.twitter.com/GvbixE7pXp
— Youssef Raggi (@YoussefRaggi) April 5, 2025
Constructive Meeting with President Aoun
According to a statement from the Presidential Media Office, President Joseph Aoun held a “constructive” meeting with Ortagus and her delegation, which included Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Natasha Franceschi and US Ambassador Lisa Johnson.
الاجتماع بين رئيس الجمهورية العماد جوزاف عون ونائبة المبعوث الأميركي إلى الشرق الأوسط مورغان أورتاغوس، كان بنّاءً، وتم البحث بين الوفدين، في عدد من الملفات، أبرزها:
– الوضع في الجنوب اللبناني
– الحدود اللبنانية-السورية
– الإصلاحات المالية والاقتصادية لمكافحة الفسادوكان قد سبق… pic.twitter.com/Yksmfu5Rj6
— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) April 5, 2025
The discussions covered several critical issues, notably the volatile situation in southern Lebanon and border security along the Lebanese-Syrian frontier, as well as the ongoing financial and economic reforms aimed at combating corruption.
In a separate closed-door session, President Aoun reportedly emphasized that the Israeli enemy is the party violating the ceasefire agreement, urging the United States to press for an end to the Israeli attacks and to ensure Israel’s compliance with the truce.
PM Salam Highlights Reform Progress
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also met with Ortagus to review Lebanon’s reform agenda. According to a government source, the US envoy praised the Lebanese government’s progress, particularly its efforts to lift banking secrecy, advance a new banking sector reform law, implement transparent appointment mechanisms across public administration, and strengthen anti-corruption and institutional reform plans.
Both sides agreed on the importance of reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stabilize the country’s economy.
On security matters, discussions focused on the Lebanese Army’s implementation of UN Resolution 1701 in coordination with the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) and the need for a complete Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.
Ortagus also expressed satisfaction with new measures at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport as part of broader government transparency efforts.
Border Security
The talks further addressed border control along the Lebanese-Syrian frontier, stressing the importance of preventing tension, chaos, and smuggling operations. According to sources at the Grand Serail, the meeting with PM Salam lasted over an hour and was characterized by a “positive and constructive tone.”
Speaker Berri Warns of Israeli Escalation
Later, Ortagus met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain Al-Tineh for over an hour. Speaker Berri underscored the daily Israeli violations that continue to cause civilian casualties and urged US pressure to halt the aggression.
He also shared with the US envoy a list of 18 reform laws passed by Parliament, emphasizing Lebanon’s commitment to internal reform.
Army Commander Joins Consultations
Ortagus and her delegation, accompanied by Ambassador Johnson, also visited Army Commander General Rodolphe Hélou at his headquarters in Yarzeh, where they discussed the broader security landscape in Lebanon and the region.
Ortagus arrived in Beirut on Friday amid a sharp escalation in Israeli military activity, with recent airstrikes targeting residential neighborhoods in Beirut’s southern suburbs and in the southern city of Sidon. This marks her second visit to Lebanon during the ongoing crisis, as US diplomatic engagement intensifies in the face of regional instability.
Source: Al-Manar Website
