US Envoy's "Act Civilised" remark to Leb. press sparks outrage

Barrack's remarks spark controversy

As journalists called out questions following a US delegation meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Barrack stepped to the podium and said: "We're going to have a different set of rules... please be quiet for a moment."

"The moment that this starts becoming chaotic, like animalistic, we're gone."

He added: "Act civilised, act kind, act tolerant, because this is the problem with what's happening in the region."

Barrack currently serves as the US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, and has been leading discussions with Lebanese officials.

Lebanese Presidency and officials express regret

The Lebanese presidency issued a statement on X, expressing regret over the “inadvertent” remarks made from its podium and reaffirmed its respect for journalists and media professionals.

Information Minister Paul Morcos also released a statement regretting the envoy’s comments, calling them inappropriate toward media representatives present at the palace.

Journalists’ syndicates demand apology

The photojournalists’ syndicate condemned Barrack’s remarks as “a direct insult” and “a serious and totally unacceptable precedent.” The group demanded an immediate and public apology and rejected any effort to downplay the incident.

Similarly, the press editors’ syndicate echoed the call for a public apology and suggested a potential boycott of the envoy’s future appearances and meetings.

Journalists’ Union condemns "Arrogance"

Lebanon’s journalists’ union described Barrack’s language as reflective of “unacceptable arrogance” in dealing with the press, and also called for an official apology from the US delegation.