TLF Special: Stormy Waters in the Levant. Lebanese President Defends Cyprus Deal, Dismisses US Envoy’s Rhetoric
The President’s comments, reported by Al Joumhouria, come amidst a dual crisis: a domestic revolt against the amended maritime deal with Cyprus and a diplomatic row sparked by controversial statements from US Envoy Tom Barak.
The "Tom Barak" Incident: Diplomacy Derails
Tensions with Washington reached a fever pitch this week following a series of statements by the US Envoy, Tom Barak. While diplomatic channels usually remain discreet, Barak’s recent tour of the region included public remarks that were perceived in Beirut as a direct infringement on Lebanese sovereignty.
According to diplomatic sources familiar with the "Barak Incident," the American envoy reportedly suggested that the maritime stability of the Eastern Mediterranean required "revisiting security arrangements north of Line 23."
Barak allegedly implied that for international energy consortiums to operate safely, Lebanon might need to accept a "maritime security buffer" or a demilitarized zone within its own Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to assuage Israeli security concerns regarding Hezbollah’s naval capabilities. Furthermore, reports surfaced that Barak hinted that US aid to the Lebanese Army—and support for IMF payouts—could be contingent on Beirut showing "flexibility" on these new security parameters.
These suggestions struck a nerve in a country still celebrating the 2022 recovery of the Qana field rights. For the Lebanese leadership, Line 23 is the final border, not a starting point for new concessions.
When asked about Barak’s statements during his meeting with the "Journalists for Freedom" association, President Aoun was dismissive and defiant.
"Do not waste your time with them," President Aoun declared, referring to the Envoy's proposals. "They are rejected by all Lebanese."
The President’s sharp retort underscores a new doctrine in Baabda: while US support for the Army is welcomed, it cannot come at the cost of territorial integrity. "Is Lebanon capable of bearing a new war?" Aoun asked rhetorically, framing his refusal to engage with Barak’s "provocations" as a strategy to maintain stability without surrendering sovereignty.
The Cyprus Dilemma: Correcting the "Sin" of 2007
While fending off American pressure, President Aoun is also fighting a rearguard action against domestic opposition regarding the Cyprus demarcation file.
The controversy stems from the complex history of the Lebanon-Cyprus border. In 2007, a previous Lebanese government signed a draft agreement with Nicosia using "Point 1" as the southern terminal. Lebanon later realized this was a cartographic error that forfeited a massive triangle of gas-rich water. The correction of this error led to the adoption of "Line 23," which was successfully consecrated in the 2022 deal with Israel.
Now, the Lebanese government is finalizing an amendment with Cyprus to officially replace "Point 1" with "Point 23" in their bilateral treaty. However, a coalition of opposition MPs has accused the government of rushing the process and "sacrificing" 5,000 square kilometers of potential EEZ by not pushing for an even further line.
President Aoun defended the technical rigor of the deal on Friday.
"Since 1943, successive governments have not demarcated borders with anyone," Aoun explained. He clarified that the current administration is simply "confirming the rules" established by the Mikati government in 2011.
"We amended the coordinates from Line 1 to Line 23," Aoun stated, rejecting the opposition's math. "We were accused of sacrificing about 5,000 square kilometers, but on what basis? We followed the principle of the median line adopted in international maritime demarcation laws."
He further dismissed procedural complaints, noting that the Legislation and Consultation Commission had ruled that parliamentary ratification was not strictly necessary for this specific amendment, allowing the Cabinet to proceed.