US Secretary of State Praises Lebanese Government's Efforts to Restore Sovereignty

Washington, July 19 (KUNA) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the Lebanese government’s efforts to restore sovereignty and disarm Hezbollah during his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who began his visit to the U.S. capital, Washington, on Sunday. The U.S. State Department said in a statement that Rubio discussed with President Aoun the implementation of the trilateral framework agreement, commending the courage of the Lebanese government under his leadership and its sustained efforts “to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah, dismantle its terrorist infrastructure, and move forward toward peace.” According to the statement, Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the trilateral framework and backing the Lebanese government’s efforts to achieve peace, economic recovery, and a better future for the Lebanese people. President Joseph Aoun arrived in Washington on Saturday, kicking off an official visit during which he is scheduled to meet with his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump. The United States, Lebanon, and the Israeli occupation forces signed a framework agreement in Washington in mid-June, aiming to end Iranian influence in Lebanon, manifested through Tehran’s support for Hezbollah, and to pave the way for the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from territories they control in southern Lebanon. (End) A.M.M. / M.S.A.