Beirut: In remarks to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri stated that Lebanon has nothing new to offer U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack beyond seeking an Israeli commitment to the objectives of the American proposal. 'Once Israel agrees, the paper becomes binding, its first priority being the sustained cessation of hostilities,' he said.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Mitri clarified that the document outlines 11 goals, not just exclusive state control over arms, and that its terms are favorable to Lebanon. He noted that if Israel refuses to commit, the U.S. initiative collapses. Regarding Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's call for dialogue, Mitri affirmed the government's openness and emphasized the army's forthcoming plan on arms control, due by September 2.
Mitri ruled out the threat of civil war, saying all parties, including Hezbollah, oppose internal strife. On UNIFIL, Mitri stressed Lebanon's support for a full one-year renewal under Resolution 1701, amid U.S. signals ranging from funding cuts to a potential shift in the force's mandate.