UNIFIL Says 'Lebanon, Israel Talks' Proceed Until Dispute is Solved

Spokesman for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Andrea Tenenti said Thursday that talks to solve border disputes between Lebanon and Israel are ongoing until a solution is reached.

“Dialogue will carry on until a solution for pending issues between Lebanon and Israel are reached,” Tenenti told VDL (93.3) radio in an interview.

The UNIFIL Spokesman assured the need to maintain stability in South Lebanon. He said “stability in the South is a priority not only for the UNIFIL, but also for the international community.”

Tenenti had earlier announced that Lebanon and Israel have been holding talks “nearly every day” over the border dispute.

New threats emerged between Lebanon and Israel over several issues, including a wall the Jewish state is building along the border that Beirut says may jut into Lebanese territories, as well as plans for oil and gas exploration in the Mediterranean.

The oil and gas dispute dates back years, but recently resurfaced when Lebanon invited companies to bid for exploratory offshore drilling next year along the countries' maritime border. Israel claims some of the drilling would be taking place in its territorial waters.