What was discussed on third day of Lebanon-Israel talks?
A preliminary date for a new round of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel has been set for September 1 and the U.S. side pledged to follow up on the issues of captives and the border with both sides during this period, sources following the negotiations told LBCI television on Thursday, after the two sides concluded the third and last day of the seventh round of talks.
“There is no new progress on the pilot zones. Lebanon is insisting on a new zone, while Israel insists on verifying the first two zones,” the sources said.
Discussions were meanwhile held as to starting work on drafts for a security agreement concerning the border, its arrangements, and the legal framework for this agreement, whether through the United Nations or the United States, the sources added.
“A shortlist of those who will oversee (disarmament in pilot zones) has been reached, and there is a determination to solidify the ceasefire. It was also agreed to resort to the Security Council to seek a new resolution that would establish a U.N. framework for the post-UNIFIL period,” the sources said.
As for the file of Israeli-held Lebanese captives, the sources said that what was exchanged were preliminary lists from the Lebanese side concerning prisoners and missing persons, while the Israeli side presented a list of the names of missing and killed Lebanese Jews.
“Lebanon insisted on beginning with the release of the first batch of (Lebanese) civilians,” the sources said.
“The Lebanese delegation's main political demand focused on achieving a comprehensive cessation of hostilities, including a halt to detonations, but the Israeli side did not agree to it,” the sources added.
Baabda Palace sources meanwhile told Al-Jadeed TV that “a geographical survey of the occupied territory was completed on maps in preparation for preparing a schedule of pilot zones” and that “further discussions have been postponed pending a decision at the political level.”
Lebanon for its part reiterated its insistence on a “comprehensive ceasefire” and was promised a response through American mediation, MTV quoted Baabda sources as saying.
Source: Naharnet
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