US welcomes Lebanon’s move to bring all weapons under state control

WASHINGTON

The US on Thursday welcomed a decision by Beirut to instruct the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to draw up plans to bring all weapons under state control by the end of the year.

“This is an important step towards Lebanese sovereignty,” said State Department Deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

“We continue to watch developments in Lebanon very closely,” said Pigott. “Special Envoy Tom Barrack made it clear what the president (Donald Trump) needs to see: as long as Hezbollah retains arms, words will not suffice.”

“The Lebanese armed forces must fully commit and act now to fully implement the government's decision,” he said. “The credibility of Lebanon's government rests on its ability to match principle with good practice.”