Earlier today, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun received an American delegation headed by the envoy Barak. The U.S. envoy to Lebanon had stirred a storm of controversy on social media following his press conference at Baabda Palace, due to what was perceived as a direct insult to journalists. This provoked discontent among several journalists and influencers, who considered his words to be an unacceptable affront to the media community.
In this context, the Lebanese Press Editors’ Syndicate issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it described as “inappropriate treatment” of journalists at the presidential palace. The syndicate demanded a public apology from Barak and the ministry to the Lebanese media, warning that ignoring this demand might lead them to take escalatory steps, including calling for a boycott of visits and meetings with the U.S. envoy, affirming that the dignity of the press in Lebanon is not up for negotiation.
During a press conference today in Lebanon, U.S. envoy Thomas Barak confirmed that Israel would not withdraw from Lebanese territories before the Lebanese government’s plan to confine weapons to state control is implemented. He noted that Tel Aviv would respond to Beirut’s plan by presenting its own plan for withdrawal from Lebanon.
