Washington and the United Nations describe negotiations as "constructive."

Lebanon and Israel resume talks on borders within two weeks

A UN military vehicle outside the headquarters of the meeting.

A.F.B.

Unprecedented talks between Lebanon and Israel took place yesterday over their disputed maritime borders in a short meeting, which the chief Lebanese negotiator described as a "first step in the 1,000-mile march." The meeting ended after nearly an hour, and the two sides agreed to meet again within two weeks.

These talks are the first to be held on the disputed maritime boundaries between the two countries.

The United States and the United Nations described the talks, in a statement, as "constructive."

Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said that the Israeli delegation would continue the talks to provide an opportunity for the negotiation process.

The official of the Lebanese negotiation team, Brigadier General Bassam Yassin, said: “The meeting triggered the whistle of the indirect technical negotiation train, and it constitutes a first step in the thousand-mile march towards the demarcation of the southern borders. Reasonable time limit ».

Yassin stressed the need to enable Lebanon to invest its natural resources of oil and gas within its exclusive economic zone that is preserved by international law, thanking the United States of America for playing the role of mediator and declaring its intention to do its utmost to help establish a positive and constructive atmosphere, and to preserve it in managing these negotiations, He also referred to the role played by the United Nations, hoping that it would undertake a fundamental and effective effort in terms of organizing the negotiation mechanisms and the smooth running of the negotiation process.

Lebanese sources initially said that the next round of talks would take place on 28 October.

But a statement issued by the office of the Lebanese President, Michel Aoun, said that it would be held two days earlier, on October 26.

Hours before the meeting, Hezbollah and the Amal movement criticized the formation of the Lebanese negotiating team, and demanded that it be changed to ensure that participation in it is limited to military officials.

The Lebanese presidency said that the talks would only address technical aspects.

The Lebanese delegation demands that its country be able to invest its natural resources.

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