No major progress achieved in Lebanese-Israeli talks
No significant progress has been made so far in the negotiations with Israel in Washington, Lebanese presidency sources told Al-Arabiya on Wednesday evening.
"The Lebanese delegation's insistence in the negotiations on a ceasefire first has prevented progress on other points," the sources said.
Israeli officials meanwhile told Israel's public broadcaster that "negotiations with Lebanon will continue but there has been no breakthrough until the moment."
The Lebanese presidency sources said Washington suggested to the Lebanese and Israeli delegations that they discuss the idea of a "gradual Israeli withdrawal."
"There are U.S. efforts to bridge the gap in negotiations between the Lebanese and Israeli delegations," the sources added.
A U.S. State Department source meanwhile told MTV that "the U.S. administration believes that a sustainable solution lies in strengthening state institutions and the army by enhancing their capabilities, training them, expanding their deployment, and enabling them to assume greater security responsibilities across all Lebanese territory."
The source added that a joint statement will be issued after Wednesday's talks and "will not only summarize the results of this round but will also include setting new dates for the sixth round of negotiations, which is likely to be held in about ten days to complete discussions on the issues."
"The joint statement expected to be issued tonight will include, for the first time, a reference to what is known as a Pilot Zone, or experimental area, which is supposed to constitute the first phase of implementing the new security and field arrangements in south Lebanon," the source said.
Al-Jadeed TV meanwhile said that "the focus in the Lebanese-Israeli negotiations has shifted from a ceasefire to a security roadmap."
It also reported that "there are intensive Saudi contacts in Washington in a bid to secure the success of the negotiations."
Source: Naharnet
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