Lebanon wants ceasefire before talks with Israel, official says
Lebanon wants a ceasefire before starting any negotiations with Israel, a Lebanese government official told AFP on Thursday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered his cabinet to begin direct talks with Beirut.
"Lebanon wants a ceasefire before starting negotiations," said the official, who has knowledge of the talks and requested anonymity.
A Lebanese official meanwhile told Al-Jazeera that the negotiations will be direct and sponsored and guaranteed by the United States.
Diplomatic sources told Al-Jadeed TV that "international pressures following the bombing of Beirut pushed Israel to lower escalation in return for opening negotiations with Lebanon to reach an agreement and disarm Hezbollah."
An Israeli official, however, told Israel's Channel 12 that "there are no big Israeli expectations regarding the success of the negotiations with Lebanon."
"The Lebanese side is insisting on the initiative launched by President Aoun, which calls for a ceasefire before going to negotiations," a Lebanese official told MTV.
Al-Jadeed said the Lebanese delegation to the negotiations will be comprised of Ambassador Simon Karam and Paul Salem.
Source: Agence France Presse, Naharnet
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