Khaberni - Despite the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon despite the violations by both parties, Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, confirmed that the Lebanese authorities are waiting for the United States to set a date to start negotiations with the Israeli side.
Aoun confirmed in his statements today, Wednesday, in front of the Economic Bodies delegation at the Presidential Palace that "every step he has taken regarding the negotiations was coordinated with the Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and the government of Nawaf Salam," contrary to what is reported in the media.
"Freedom of movement for Israel"
Regarding the criticisms of Lebanon's approval through the American statement issued following the tripartite talks in Washington last week, to grant Israel freedom of movement and carry out operations inside Lebanese territory, he clarified that this statement was included in the American Foreign Ministry’s statement, and it is the same text that was adopted and approved by all parties in the ceasefire agreement between the Lebanese and Israeli sides, which came into effect on November 28, 2024, after months of bloody confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel.
Moreover, he emphasized that the government is making every possible effort to reach a solution that would save lives, adding that this solution can only be achieved through negotiations. He also pointed out that the only thing that can protect the Lebanese borders is the deployment of the army throughout the south.
Berri denies
On the other hand, the media office of the Speaker of Parliament denied the President’s statements regarding the consultation on negotiations or the November agreement. In a statement, it said, "The statements attributed to the President are inaccurate, not to say otherwise, and the same applies to the November 2024 agreement and the matter of negotiations."
Direct talks
A meeting was held at the White House last week including the Lebanese Ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamada Mawad, and the Israeli Ambassador in Washington, Yehiel Leiter, attended by the American President and his Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which announced the extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon for an additional three weeks.
