US envoy reaffirms Feb 18 deadline for Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon
Morgan Ortagus reaffirmed on Friday the United States' commitment to the Feb. 18 deadline for Israeli forces to complete their withdrawal from southern Lebanon
- BEIRUT — US
Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus reaffirmed on Friday
the United States' commitment to the Feb. 18 deadline for Israeli forces to
complete their withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
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- During her meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in
Beirut, Ortagus emphasised that the deadline, part of ongoing negotiations with
both the Lebanese and Israeli governments, will see Israeli forces complete
their withdrawal and the redeployment of Lebanese troops in southern Lebanon.
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- She also demands that the new Lebanese government, which
will be formed soon, must remain committed to reform and ensure Hezbollah is
excluded from it.
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- In response, Aoun highlighted the importance of the February
18 deadline for the complete Israeli withdrawal as well as the implementation
of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the terms of the agreement reached
in November 2024.
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- He called for an end to Israeli attacks, the release of
Lebanese prisoners, and the rebuilding of areas damaged by Israeli aggression,
Xinhua news agency reported.
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- Aoun also confirmed that the Lebanese army is prepared to be
deployed to the areas from which Israeli forces will withdraw, underscoring
that cooperation with international peacekeeping forces will continue to
stabilize the region.
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- In discussing Lebanon's political situation, Aoun said
consultations to form a new government were nearing completion, with hopes that
the cabinet will be able to fulfill the Lebanese people's aspirations for
reform and stability.
