Peace talks between Israel and Lebanon are imminent, with 17 countries including France and the UK urging to "seize the opportunity"

On Tuesday, April 14, 17 countries—including France and the UK—urged Lebanon and Israel to "seize this opportunity" to advance upcoming peace negotiations in Washington (the first direct talks between the two nations since 1993). It is reported that the talks between Israel and Lebanon will be mediated by U.S. Secretary of State Rubio later this Tuesday afternoon, with Hezbollah absent. Participants include Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leit, Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S. Nadia Hamad Mawawd, and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michelle Issa.

Before the negotiations, these 17 countries issued a joint statement saying: "We welcome the initiative by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to launch direct talks with Israel, and also welcome Israel’s agreement to initiate these talks under U.S. mediation. We urge both sides to seize this opportunity." In addition to France and the UK, the other signatory countries include Australia, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

The statement further noted: "The ongoing conflict in Lebanon is undermining the current regional de-escalation trend. We welcomed this de-escalation and believe all parties must fully adhere to it." Moreover, these countries expressed their "strongest condemnation" of Hezbollah's attacks on Israel, while also condemning "Israel’s large-scale air strikes on Lebanon on April 8." According to the latest information provided by Lebanese authorities, these airstrikes have resulted in over 350 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries.

At the beginning of March this year, Lebanon became entangled in conflict due to Hezbollah. Although hostilities from the Iranian direction have eased since the ceasefire took effect on April 8, Israel maintains that the ceasefire does not apply to Lebanon and continues to conduct strikes against Hezbollah, without having yet withdrawn from southern Lebanon.

An anonymous U.S. Department of State official stated that the purpose of these talks is to "ensure long-term security along Israel’s northern border" and support the Lebanese government’s sovereignty over its "territory and political life." Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed hope for reaching a ceasefire agreement. The two countries have been legally at war for decades.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu set two conditions for the talks: the disarmament of Hezbollah in Lebanon and the pursuit of a "genuine peace agreement." However, before the talks began, Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem called for the cancellation of the talks, denouncing them as "capitulation," which significantly reduced the likelihood of an agreement. Lebanese military analyst Riad Kawaji believes that this negotiation will "intensify Hezbollah’s isolation and that of its supporters within Lebanon, weakening Iran’s ability to use Lebanon as leverage in negotiations with the United States."

Sources: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862460878679040/

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