Lebanon conditions participation in Rome talks on Israeli withdrawal from two areas in the south

Lebanon is conditioning its participation in the next round of negotiations with Israel on an Israeli withdrawal from two designated areas in southern Lebanon, according to a diplomatic source familiar with the talks.

The source, speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP) on condition of anonymity, said Beirut is insisting that Israel withdraw from the two “pilot” or “experimental” areas specified in the framework agreement before negotiations scheduled for 15th–16th July in Rome can proceed. “Lebanon is demanding Israel’s withdrawal from two experimental areas as a condition for participating in the negotiations,” the source said.

The Lebanese government has not yet publicly confirmed its official position.

The Rome meeting follows five rounds of US-mediated negotiations held in Washington, which culminated late last […]