Lebanese President Michel Aoun said on Monday that the talks aimed solving the dispute on Lebanon’s maritime borders are in final stages, stressing that the country’s rights will be guaranteed.
In a meeting at Baabda Presidential Palace, President Aoun told the United Nations Special Coordinator in Lebanon Joanna Wronecka that communication with US energy envoy Amos Hochstein is on-going about some technical details related to the demarcation process.
“The negotiations to demarcate the southern maritime borders are now in their final stages,” President Aoun said in remarks carried by Al-Manar.
“Talks are ongoing in a way that guarantees Lebanon’s rights in drilling for gas in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).”
He hoped that gas and oil drilling “will contribute to revive economy, ensure stability and security in south Lebanon.”
“Coordination between Lebanese Army and UNIFIL Essential”
Meanwhile, President Aoun reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to international resolutions, especially Resolution 1701, pointing to the importance of implementing all its components.
In this context, the Lebanese president underlined importance of coordination between the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (INIFIL) and the Lebanese Army.
The coordination is essential to ensure the success of the mission of maintaining peace and security on the borders, President Aoun, as quoted by the National News Agency.
Earlier in late August, the UN Security Council Resolution 2650 renewed mandate of the UNIFIL (for one year and gave the international troops the right to act on the ground away from the Lebanese army.
In his speech on Arbaeen (Saturday, September 17, 2022), Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah warned that the resolution “violates Lebanon’s sovereignty and open the door for major dangers in the area south of Litani River.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
