Lebanese president, US envoy meet, discuss borders, Israeli withdrawal

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies + Al Mayadeen
5 Apr 2025 10:53
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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun hosted US Deputy Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus for high-level discussions on Lebanon’s southern and Syrian borders and coordination with the International Monitoring Committee.

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Lebanese President meets with US envoy at the Presidential Palace in Baabda. (@LBpresidency/Twitter)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed US Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, this morning at the Presidential Palace in Baabda. She was accompanied by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and Syria, Natasha Francesca, along with a delegation, as well as US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson.

During the meeting, discussions focused on key regional and domestic issues, according to a statement from the Lebanese Presidency. These included the situation in southern Lebanon, the work of the International Monitoring Committee, the Israeli withdrawal, and broader developments in the South.

The talks also addressed the Lebanese-Syrian border, bilateral coordination between the two countries, as well as financial and economic reforms and the government’s continued efforts to combat corruption.

The meeting was marked by a positive and constructive tone, with a private session held between President Aoun and the US envoy for approximately 30 minutes prior to the said meeting, as per the statement.

Earlier, Al Mayadeen's correspondent affirmed that the meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and US Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus was held in a positive atmosphere, with discussions covering Lebanon’s northern and eastern borders with Syria, as well as the southern border with occupied Palestine.

Aoun reportedly confirmed that negotiations on the land borders will continue at their previous level, emphasizing that Ortagus’ suggestions were presented as discussion points rather than demands. He also emphasized to Ortagus that the Lebanese army is fulfilling its responsibilities and actively coordinating with the ceasefire monitoring committee, of which the United States is a member.

It is worth noting that Ortagus left Baabda Palace today following her meeting with President Joseph Aoun without making any remarks to the media.

The US envoy is scheduled to meet with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri following her meetings with the Lebanese president and prime minister.

The recent meeting between Aoun and Ortagus took place amid increasing Israeli violations of the ceasefire. On April 4, 2025, three people were killed in an Israeli attack on an apartment in the southern Lebanese city of Saida, raising concerns about "Israel's" actions and potential further escalation, and thus more casualties, in Lebanon.

Israeli occupation forces have continued their violations of the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon since November 27, 2024, with at least 2,000 violations recorded, including blatant attacks on areas in the South, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburb of Beirut.