Sheikh Al-Aql meets the US Ambassador to Beirut: We call on the international community to support Lebanon's demands and sovereign rights
Dr. Sami Abi Mina, the Sheikh of the Intellect for the Druze Unitarian community, called on the international community, led by the United States, to “support Lebanon’s demands and its sovereign rights over its entire territory” during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michael Weiss. He added, “According to historical developments, the Israeli plan is based on hegemony, encroachment, and expansion. Peace cannot be achieved by violating international resolutions, breaching sovereignty, and occupying land, airspace, and waters. We have serious doubts and concerns, as Israel will not withdraw except under pressure and coercion. Its acts of destruction and arson do not indicate good faith. However, if the Framework Agreement, reached under U.S. sponsorship, is amended and a binding timeline for Israeli withdrawal is guaranteed, matters might improve.”
He continued, “We place hope in the firm U.S. role in achieving stability, because stability and economic integration in the region cannot be built on coercion, military dominance, and systematic destruction.” He called for strengthening the capabilities of the Lebanese army and security forces to enforce security in the south and along the borders, so that they alone would hold the right to use force under the national umbrella.
For his part, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michael Weiss, at the conclusion of his visit to Sheikh of the Intellect for the Druze Unitarian community Dr. Sami Abi Mina, said, “The dialogue with the Sheikh of the Intellect was highly responsive, and what we discussed was in Lebanon’s interest, focusing on how it can return to prosperity and full sovereignty.”
In response to a question about the extent of convergence between Lebanese and Israeli viewpoints through negotiations regarding the south and the “Ali al-Tahir” area, Ambassador Weiss said, “All Lebanese agree on one position, which is the handover of Hezbollah’s weapons. Everyone has their own idea about how to accomplish this, but the sole message is that the party must surrender its weapons and that the state alone must hold authority. As for guarantees, sovereignty must be confined to the state.”
Regarding the daily explosions in the south, Ambassador Weiss clarified, “We are speaking with Israel about these strikes, and we emphasize that they are unacceptable and we are pressing to curb them.”
