Hajj Hassan, in an intervention via ‘Sputnik’ radio, stated that ‘the Americans deal with Lebanon from a perspective of dominance, not as a friend or mediator. They bring Israeli conditions, demanding Lebanon to implement them fully without any guarantees, as part of political pressures aimed at imposing surrender.’ He noted that the government was asked publicly to retract this decision, questioning: ‘What have the Lebanese officials done with the Americans to implement the November 27 agreement they insist on, while Lebanon adhered to it fully without Israel’s commitment?’ Hajj Hassan emphasized that every step taken by the ‘duo’ is linked to field and political developments. He stressed that meetings with the presidential office are part of explaining positions and monitoring future outcomes, pointing out that the relationship with the presidency continues, and the proof will be in the results. He revealed that ‘Hezbollah’ began funding restoration works in the southern suburbs months ago, spending hundreds of millions of dollars on this path, confirming that they will continue to work and announce the executive steps at the appropriate time. Earlier today, the American envoy to Lebanon sparked a storm of controversy on social media following his press conference at the Baabda Palace, due to what was considered a direct insult to journalists. Barak addressed journalists before the conference began, saying: ‘Be quiet for a moment… the moment it becomes chaotic and animalistic, we will leave.’ This provoked dissatisfaction among a number of journalists and influencers, who considered his remarks to contain an unacceptable insult to the media body. In this context, the Lebanese Press Editors Syndicate issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it described as ‘inappropriate treatment’ that journalists faced at the presidential palace. The syndicate demanded a public apology from Barak and the ministry to the Lebanese media, warning that ignoring this demand may lead them to take escalatory steps, including calling for a boycott of the American envoy’s visits and meetings, affirming that the dignity of the press in Lebanon is non-negotiable.
