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Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who met with Barrack, Ortagus and U.S. Ambassador to Beirut Lisa Johnson, stressed that stability's path runs through ending Israeli occupation, according to Lebanon's official NNA news agency.
"The path to stability in Lebanon and the start of the reconstruction process in preparation for people's return to their villages depends on Israel's adherence to the ceasefire and withdrawal from the points it occupies," Berri said during the meeting.
Berri raised the issue of Israel adhering to the ceasefire agreement and withdrawing to internationally recognized borders from Lebanese territory. He also emphasized the importance of supporting the Lebanese army.
After the meeting, Barrack told journalists: "We discussed issues that concern everyone and discussed how to achieve prosperity in Lebanon, in the south, in the north and everywhere in the country. We are moving in the right direction."
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, meeting with the U.S. delegation, called on the United States to pressure Israel to stop its attacks and withdraw from occupied positions.
According to NNA, Mikati stated that "the U.S. must pressure Israel to stop its attacks in Lebanon and ensure the Israeli army withdraws from the five points it occupies."
The prime minister said that supporting the Lebanese army financially and militarily and increasing its capacity was a priority. He emphasized "the importance of renewing the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon's (UNIFIL) mandate due to the consolidation of stability and the role the army plays in ensuring state authority in southern Lebanon."
Mikati added that "the international community needs to organize a conference with clear commitment to support reconstruction and economic recovery in Lebanon."
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