Tom Barrack, the United States ambassador to Turkiye and special envoy for Syria, met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut to discuss plans for the disarmament of Hezbollah. Briefing local media after the meeting, Barrack chided reporters for shouting questions and warned that if coverage became 'chaotic' or 'animalistic' his delegation would leave. He urged journalists to 'act civilised, act kind, act tolerant' and promised responses to thoughtful questions. The Lebanese Presidency expressed regret and affirmed appreciation for journalists' professional duties. The Union of Journalists in Lebanon called for a boycott of events involving Barrack until he issues a formal public apology.
We're going to have a different set of rules please be quiet for a moment, Barrack said. And I want to tell you something, the moment this starts becoming chaotic, like animalistic, we're gone. So, you want to know what's happening? Act civilised, act kind, act tolerant, because this is the problem with what is happening in the region. In cadence with your kindness, your interest and your thoughtful questions, we'll give you responses, Barrack added.
The Lebanese Presidency expressed regret over the comments, saying in a statement on X that the government has full appreciation for all journalists and extends to them its highest regards for their efforts and dedication in fulfilling their professional and national duties. The Union of Journalists in Lebanon called on Lebanese and Arab media outlets to boycott future events involving the envoy until he issues a formal public apology.
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