Kurt M. Campbell Deputy Secretary of State | Official Website
Today, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a conversation with Caretaker Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. During the call, Secretary Blinken expressed the United States' commitment to achieving a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict across the Blue Line, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution aims to facilitate the return of displaced citizens in both Israel and Lebanon to their homes.
Secretary Blinken highlighted the United States' continuous support for Lebanese institutions that contribute to stabilizing the country, notably mentioning the Lebanese Armed Forces. Additionally, he discussed nearly $157 million in humanitarian aid recently announced by the U.S., intended to assist populations affected by conflict in Lebanon and its surrounding region.
The conversation also covered Lebanon's current presidential vacancy and stressed the importance of empowering leadership that mirrors the people's aspirations for a stable, prosperous, and independent nation. Secretary Blinken emphasized that "Lebanon cannot allow Iran or Hizballah to stand in the way of Lebanon’s security and stability."
