Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, has denied allegations of discussions with a Lebanese official, calling the report misleading. Witkoff affirmed Lebanon’s independence and the U.S.’s support for its government led by President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam. The report had suggested criticism of Lebanese officials regarding Hezbollah and proposed negotiations with Israel.

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has officially dismissed a media report about alleged negotiations with a Lebanese official in Doha, calling it “baseless, false, and misleading.” His office emphasized that rumors and misinformation only contribute to confusion and harm the credibility of media outlets.

Witkoff’s statement reiterated Lebanon’s status as an independent nation capable of making its own decisions. The U.S. has expressed its confidence in the Lebanese government, under the leadership of President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, to extend state sovereignty and implement necessary reforms to meet the demands of the Lebanese people.

The controversial report, which appeared in the An-Nahar newspaper, claimed that Witkoff criticized the performance of Lebanese officials in their dealings with Hezbollah. It further alleged that Lebanon would be asked to engage in direct political negotiations with Israel, with a civilian figure leading the charge, possibly Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who is closely associated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In conclusion, Steve Witkoff has categorically denied the validity of a report regarding discussions with a Lebanese official, asserting Lebanon’s autonomy and decision-making capability. The U.S. continues to support the Lebanese government in its efforts to achieve reforms and enhance state sovereignty, countering misleading narratives in media reporting.

Original Source: naharnet.com