US reportedly seeks deescalation in Lebanon to cement ceasefire, advance negotiations
There is a U.S. effort to de-escalate Israeli actions in Lebanon in preparation for consolidating the ceasefire and moving to the second phase of negotiations, a Lebanese official told Al-Jazeera on Thursday.
"Rounds of negotiations at the delegation level will begin next week in Washington. The negotiations will address both security and political tracks, focusing on issues of full withdrawal, borders, prisoners, displaced persons, and reconstruction," the official revealed.
The Lebanese presidency is seeking a final cessation of hostilities agreement between Lebanon and Israel, the official said.
He added that "the anticipated step before May 17 is an extension of the truce and an Israeli commitment to a ceasefire," noting that "the raid on Beirut's southern suburbs was an Israeli message intended to obstruct the negotiation process."
"The Lebanese presidency informed Washington that a meeting with (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu now could derail efforts to achieve stability. There is U.S. understanding of the Lebanese position regarding not holding a meeting between (President Joseph) Aoun and Netanyahu at this time," the official said.
He added that Lebanon is not moving towards signing a peace agreement, but rather pursuing "a path with the maximum objective of restoring rights in exchange for a non-aggression pact."
Separately, the official said that the Iranian effort to support Lebanon's position is "appreciated if it leads to a ceasefire."
"Any Iranian effort to achieve a ceasefire must be channeled through Lebanese institutions and must contribute to implementing the decision to restrict weapons. The issue of weapons must be resolved, and this will take time and requires political, social and economic solutions," the official added.
Source: Naharnet
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