Hochstein holds 'very constructive' talks with Berri, says 1701 needs new mechanism
U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein said Monday that he held a "very constructive" meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh and that the U.S. is working with Lebanon and Israel on a "formula that brings an end to this conflict once and for all."
Hochstein added that U.N. resolution 1701 is “no longer enough” and that a new mechanism must be put in place to ensure it is implemented “fairly, accurately, transparently.”
“1701 was successful at ending the war in 2006, but we must be honest that nobody did anything to implement it,” Hochstein said in a news conference after meeting with Berri. “The lack of implementation over those years contributed to the conflict that we are in today.”
Responding to a question, Hochstein said the U.S. does not want to "change" Resolution 1701, but added that "things" need to be "put in place" to build "confidence" in its implementation.
“The world will stand by Lebanon and its leaders if they make the brave and the hard choices that are required at this time,” he added, noting that the U.S. wants to end the war as soon as possible.
He also warned that it is not in Lebanon's interest to link its fate to another conflict.
Berri later announced that the meeting was "good" but that seeing real results would be more important.
Hochstein also met caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who is pushing for a diplomatic solution tied to resolution 1701.
Hezbollah, which said it would continue attacks on Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza, appears to have softened that position in recent weeks as Israeli strikes have eliminated much of its top leadership and pounded large areas of Lebanon.
Hezbollah now says it supports the diplomatic efforts of Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Both Lebanese leaders have said they are no longer seeking to tie a cease-fire in Lebanon to one in Gaza.
Source: Naharnet, Associated Press
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