Lebanese, Israeli ambassadors meet in Washington as Issa visits south
Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh Moawad and Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter held a meeting overnight in the presence of U.S. State Department Counselor Daniel Holler.
The meeting comes after a ninth round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon was delayed until October. Last month, the United States had said the next round of talks in the Italian capital would take place in early September.
A U.S. official said the meeting between Hamadeh and Leiter was "to discuss ongoing developments and the continued implementation" of a framework deal agreed in June.
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut meanwhile said that U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa visited southern Lebanon on Tuesday to assess conditions on the ground and see firsthand the progress and challenges in the pilot zones.
“The United States remains committed to supporting the Government of Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces in strengthening state authority, protecting civilians, providing services, and creating conditions that help bring about lasting peace and stability,” the Embassy said.
“We will continue to work with all relevant parties to support a more secure and stable southern Lebanon,” it added.
Issa for his part said: "My visit to southern Lebanon allowed me to witness firsthand the challenges facing its communities. I deeply sympathize with residents who have endured displacement and uncertainty, and I understand their urgent desire to return home and rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.”
Source: Naharnet
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