Presidential Meeting in Baabda: Call for the United States to Continue Its Efforts in Completing Demarcation Negotiations

A statement was issued by the media office of the presidency, stating: "President Michel Aoun chaired a meeting today at Baabda Palace, attended by Speaker of the House Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Najib Mikati. During the meeting, they discussed the proposal submitted by the American mediator Amos Hochstein for demarcating the southern maritime borders. The results of the technical committee, which studied Hochstein's proposal and consisted of representatives from the presidency, the government, the military leadership (Hydrographic Department), and the Petroleum Sector Management Authority, were presented. The attendees shared their observations and inquiries about the proposal in order to reach a unified position that guarantees the preservation of Lebanon's rights and its complete sovereignty over its maritime borders. After the discussion, it was decided to call on the United States to continue its efforts to complete the negotiations for the demarcation of maritime borders, in accordance with the framework agreement, in a manner that preserves Lebanon's supreme interests and regional stability. The attendees emphasized that this issue is purely national and should remain free from unnecessary conflicts and disputes."