Lebanon and Israel concluded US-mediated talks in Rome on Wednesday, with a US official saying the two sides had made progress on implementing a framework that could lead to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of southern Lebanon within days.
Sixth round of negotiations
The long-time adversaries held ambassador-level talks at the US Embassy in Rome on Tuesday and Wednesday. The meetings marked the sixth round of direct negotiations since fighting between Hezbollah and Israel resumed on 2 March, amid the wider US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Under a framework agreement reached on 26 June, Lebanon and Israel agreed in principle to implement a "pilot zone" plan, which envisages the disarmament of armed groups – an apparent reference to Hezbollah – the deployment of Lebanese troops in southern Lebanon, and the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory they continue to hold.
However, Israeli strikes have continued, while Hezbollah has rejected both the agreement and efforts to disarm the group. Israel has maintained that its forces will remain in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed.
Comprehensive agreement
In written remarks distributed to reporters, the US official described the two days of talks in Rome as "productive and positive".
"We agreed on the structure and guiding principles for the pilot zone process, which will be finalised and implemented in the coming days," the official said.
The official added that the negotiations would now move into a technical phase aimed at implementing the framework agreement and reaching a "comprehensive agreement between Israel and Lebanon".
There was no immediate comment from either the Lebanese or Israeli governments on the reported progress.
The Israeli military currently controls what it describes as a 10-kilometre-wide "security zone" along Lebanon's border with Israel.
Israeli officials say the buffer zone is necessary to protect communities in northern Israel from attacks by Hezbollah. Lebanon has called on Israel to begin an immediate withdrawal, while Israel has said its troops will remain in southern Lebanon for as long as Hezbollah retains its weapons.
Source: CNA
