US Envoy to Syria Clarifies Statements on Syrian-Lebanese Relations

US Special Envoy to Syria, Thomas Brack, affirmed that his previous comments on Syria and Lebanon were "not a threat", in response to the controversy sparked by his statements regarding what he described as a potential "existential threat" to Lebanon.

In a tweet posted by Brack on the "X" platform on Saturday, he said: "My comments yesterday (Friday) praised the significant steps taken by Syria, not the threat it poses to Lebanon", indicating that Syria is seeking to capitalize on the opportunities resulting from the partial lifting of US sanctions during the era of former President Donald Trump.

Brack added: "I confirm that Syria's leaders only seek coexistence and mutual prosperity with Lebanon, and the United States is committed to supporting this relationship between equal and sovereign neighbors enjoying peace and prosperity".

These statements came after an interview given by the US envoy to "The National" newspaper, in which he warned that "Lebanon may face an existential threat", suggesting its return to what he described as "the Levant" with the enhancement of Syrian presence internationally. Brack also called on Lebanon to "expeditiously address the issue of Hezbollah's weapons", referring to the security concerns associated with the group.