President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, highlighted the necessity of the continuation of the negotiations over the demarcation of maritime borders between Lebanon and ‘Israel’ and the US commitment to its role as an ‘honest and fair’ mediator.
The President indicated that Lebanon has the right to develop its position according to its interest, in line with an international law, and in accordance with constitutional principles.
In addition, President Aoun called for the accreditation of international experts to demarcate the border line and commitment not to carry out oil or gas work and not to start any exploration work in the “Karish” field and in adjacent waters.
Moreover, the President stressed that he would never compromise the sovereignty, rights and Lebanese interests, asserting the necessity that border demarcation be a subject of consensus among the Lebanese.
The President’s remarks came while meeting US Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Ambassador David Hale, US Ambassador to Lebanon, Dorothy Shea, and an accompanying delegation, today at the Presidential Palace.
For his part, Hale said, “Over the past three days, I have met with many Lebanese leaders to discuss the prolonged political gridlock and deteriorating economic conditions here.”
We have long called for Lebanon’s leaders to show sufficient flexibility to form a government that is willing and capable of reversing the collapse under way, Hale added.
Source: NNA
