The Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Drian, received US Ambassador Michel Issa and discussed with him the general situation in Lebanon. Following the meeting, US Ambassador Michel Issa affirmed that the United States is interested in standing by Lebanon and achieving its sovereignty, and that our positions with the Grand Mufti are convergent. Issa pointed out that the pilot areas are making progress and everything prepared on paper takes time to be implemented on the ground. Regarding the situation in the Ali al-Tahr region, he said: "I do not know what will happen regarding Ali al-Tahr, let us wait and see." In response to a question about demands for Israel's withdrawal, Issa said: "Why do you only ask Israel to withdraw and not ask the party to remove its weapons?" Issa pointed out that he discussed with Mufti Drian the future of Lebanon and the importance of coexistence, and "I told him that the United States stands by the Lebanese people and wants Lebanon to be a secure and independent country." He said: We are negotiating with Hezbollah, pointing out that if it possesses any solution, it should present it.