Lebanon has conditioned its participation in the new round of US-mediated talks planned in Rome on Israel taking certain steps. An official Lebanese source speaking to Al Jazeera said that Israel has not fulfilled the terms of the framework agreement signed in Washington and that Lebanon will not attend the sixth round of negotiations if Israel does not withdraw from the two trial zones in the south.
The source accused Israel of violating the agreement, saying, 'Lebanon insists that Israel fulfill all its commitments before moving to new negotiation steps.' The source also stated, 'The framework agreement envisages Israel taking practical steps, but so far this has not been adhered to.'
This development follows earlier calls by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam for accelerating Israel's withdrawal from the trial zones. In a statement today, President Aoun said his July 21 visit to Washington reflects the 'unprecedented interest' of the United States in Lebanon and its support for the search for stability in the region.
Aoun added that he hoped his meeting with US President Donald Trump would bring 'positive results for Lebanon'.
Five rounds of US-mediated negotiations had previously been held, and a framework agreement was signed in Washington at the end of last month. The agreement envisages the disarmament of Hezbollah, the gradual withdrawal of Israel from the areas of advance in southern Lebanon, and the deployment of the Lebanese army starting from the two 'trial' zones.
However, Israeli forces have not yet withdrawn from any of the areas they occupy in southern Lebanon. Israeli attacks continue to cause deaths and injuries in various parts of southern Lebanon.
