Demarcation talks to intensify in remaining days of August

Contacts and negotiations will intensify in the remaining days of August to reach a solution for the sea border demarcation file that would satisfy both the Lebanese and Israeli sides and prevent any possible escalation or full-blown war, official sources concerned with the file said.

In remarks to Lebanon’s al-Binaa newspaper published Wednesday, the sources said the latest lengthy phone call between U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein and Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab reflects “serious intentions and a will to seek a solution as soon as possible.”

“The U.S. mediator will communicate with Bou Saab next week to continue the negotiations and reach a unified approach in the beginning of next month,” the sources added, noting that “the U.S. mediator has informed Bou Saab that he is in constant contact with the Israeli officials and is discussing with them the Lebanese proposals.”

“He will bring the answers soon and he will continue his mediation until an agreement is reached,” the sources went on to say.

The sources also stressed that the atmosphere is not negative and that “all analyses and reports published in media outlets, which are endorsing some of what’s being published in the Israeli media, are inaccurate and totally baseless.”

“There is no specific deadline for the signing of the demarcation agreement with the Israeli enemy, but the deadline is not open-ended,” the sources added.