Lebanon cites 'positive progress' in Rome talks with Israel

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Friday that the seventh round of direct negotiations with Israel in Rome produced "positive progress" on border demarcation and prisoner exchanges, though substantial diplomatic work remains to secure a durable ceasefire. Aoun made the remarks during a Cabinet meeting at Baabda Palace, according to a statement from the Lebanese Presidency, a day after the US-mediated talks concluded following three days of discussions.

Prisoner exchanges

The president said the negotiations covered the ceasefire, demolition of homes, border issues, the return of prisoners and the designation of pilot areas. He said "positive progress" had been made on the border and prisoner files and expressed hope that practical steps would follow soon, without providing further details. Aoun added that the US administration would continue working on issues related to the ceasefire and the proposed pilot areas.

Framework for withdrawal

A senior Lebanese official told Anadolu that the two sides exchanged initial prisoner lists and discussed a new security arrangement for the border with legal reference either through the UN or the US. The official added that both sides tentatively proposed Sept. 1 for the next round of negotiations, pending further US consultations. Beirut and Tel Aviv signed a US-mediated framework agreement on June 26 providing for a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory, beginning with a pilot model in designated areas. The agreement also provides for the gradual deployment of the Lebanese army in areas vacated by Israeli forces.