Beirut: President Joseph Aoun announced that Lebanon is prepared to engage in negotiations to end the Israeli occupation of parts of its southern region, emphasizing that military conflict has not produced favorable outcomes. Aoun's statements reflect a growing desire for peace and stability in the region, especially following the recent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the specifics of the negotiations remain undefined, but they aim to address the ongoing tensions and conflicts. Aoun believes that Lebanon must actively participate in regional peace efforts to resolve these crises. However, there has been no response from the Israeli side to President Aoun's initiative.
Former Lebanese Foreign Minister Fares Boueiz, who was involved in the 1991 Madrid peace conference, stressed the importance of negotiations to end the state of war with Israel. He noted that successful negotiations could also help Lebanon secure international economic and financial support. Boueiz emphasized the necessity of having a clear negotiation framework and a fair mediator.
Dr. Imad Salameh, head of the Political and International Studies Department at the Lebanese American University, highlighted Lebanon's limited military and economic resources, underscoring the importance of well-managed negotiations. He emphasized the need for national consensus on the negotiation strategy and demands, as well as the crucial role of Arab support in creating a conducive environment for talks.
Salameh also suggested the establishment of a mechanism to monitor and halt hostile activities, involving diplomatic and civilian resources. An observing committee was set up in November 2024, following the Israeli-Lebanese war that began in September of that year. This committee, which includes military representatives from the US, France, UNIFIL, Lebanon, and Israel, holds meetings at UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqoura, southern Lebanon.
Dr. Walid Safi, a political science professor at the Lebanese University, indicated that the negotiations aim to reinforce the hostilities' end agreement signed in November 2024 and address the return of Lebanese prisoners held by Israel. He noted that Israel's lack of a positive response to Aoun's offer has heightened tensions, potentially shaping future negotiations under the guise of achieving "peace."