Rome, July 14 (dpa/GNA) – A fresh round of direct talks between Israel and Lebanon began in Rome on Tuesday, in an effort to stop the fighting across their shared border.
Negotiators from the two neighbouring countries met on the grounds of the US embassy in the Italian capital for talks that are due to last two days.
At the end of June, both countries agreed a framework agreement brokered by the US, that is intended to pave the way for a final peace agreement. The militant Islamist group Hezbollah is however not involved in the talks. The Lebanese government is not a party to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israel and Lebanon also do not officially maintain diplomatic relations with one another. Part of the framework agreement is a gradual withdrawal of the Israeli army from southern Lebanon. The Lebanese military is initially to take control from Israel of two small areas. Hezbollah is to have no presence in the area.
However, Israel is demanding Hezbollah’s disarmament as a condition for the withdrawal. The Shiite militia has repeatedly rejected this and is first demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal.
Despite a ceasefire, there is still fighting in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military continues to carry out air strikes. Both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government describe a “security zone” unilaterally declared by Israel as an occupation in violation of international law.
The area covers around 620 square kilometres – about 6% of the country’s area. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the decision to hold the talks in Rome as proof that his country plays a “leading role” in the Middle East. Italy, he said, was also ready to provide further support.
GNA