European Sources: Permanent Ceasefire in South Still Under Discussion
The willingness to achieve a stage of permanent ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel is still in the process of discussions, European sources in Beirut told pan-Arab daily al-Hayat on Sunday.
They said the test of intentions would later lead to Lebanese-Israeli negotiations under the sponsorship of UNIFIL to reach a mechanism that would pave way for permanent ceasefire.
Miqati said during his visit to the south on Saturday that the government will continue to ask the U.N. to stop Israeli violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and fully implement Security Council resolution 1701 to move from a stage of non-aggression to a stage of permanent ceasefire.
While refusing to comment directly on Miqati’s statement, the sources said that since 1701 came into force in 2006 the situation in the south is stable and hasn’t seen any instability except for the Israeli attacks on the army post in Adeisseh last year and several other attacks on UNIFIL including the latest bombing of a convoy near Sidon.
“The understanding to reach a ceasefire through an international sponsorship requires the end of Israeli occupation to Lebanese territories,” the sources said in reference to the border village of Ghajar and Kfarshouba hills.
A ceasefire leads to stability in the south, they added.
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