US envoy sparks outrage in Lebanon after urging journalists to ‘act civilized’

US envoy Tom Barrack has come under fire in Lebanon after telling local journalists to "act civilised" during a press conference following talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday.

Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkey and the special envoy for Syria, made the remarks in response to journalists talking over one another while asking questions, while linking their behavior to the situation in the Middle East.

“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.”

The Lebanese presidency expressed regret over the remarks, reaffirming respect for journalists and their role.

The Presidency “regrets the remarks inadvertently made today from its podium by one of its guests.”

“While emphasizing its absolute respect for human dignity in general, it renews its full appreciation for all journalists and accredited media representatives in particular, extending to them all greetings for their efforts and dedication in fulfilling their professional and national duties.”

In response to Barrack, Lebanon’s Journalists' Union called for a boycott of Barrack’s future events until he issues a formal apology, denouncing his words as “not a mere slip,” but rather a display of “colonial arrogance” and a “blatant violation of basic diplomatic etiquette.”