President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, hosted U.S. Envoy Amos Hochstein for breakfast at his residence, in the presence of U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson and members of the embassy staff, as well as representatives of most parliamentary blocs.

In his remarks, Makhzoumi welcomed the attendees, wished them a happy New Year, and expressed hope that Lebanon was entering a new phase that would usher in not only stability and security, but also steady progress toward success and prosperity.

Makhzoumi thanked his guest, Amos Hochstein, for his efforts in securing the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. He stressed the need to ensure the agreement’s sustainable implementation and to enforce all provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, in order to protect Lebanon from becoming merely an arena for regional power struggles at the expense of its state and people.

He also emphasized the importance of supporting the Lebanese Army so that it can continue fulfilling its role in maintaining security and stability. Makhzoumi stressed that Lebanon must now reclaim its sovereign decision-making authority, ensure that the state holds the exclusive authority over weapons and strategic decisions, and deploy the Lebanese Army along the entire Blue Line and across all Lebanese borders.

For his part, Hochstein thanked Makhzoumi for hosting him, affirming that the United States is a friend of Lebanon and will continue to support the country and its army.