What can be described as a file for indirect negotiations to find a sustainable solution for the situation on the southern front has advanced beyond internal matters. It appeared that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants in the caretaker government, Abdullah Bou Habib, has taken over the file of negotiations, coordination among officials, and preparing the necessary legal and diplomatic responses to memoranda and letters from international envoys about stability in the south.
Lebanese diplomatic sources disclosed to "Al-Liwaa" that Lebanon is organizing its papers for negotiations regarding what is termed the "next day in Gaza," which will, of course, include all supporting fronts. According to the information, Lebanon has established a mechanism, which will be communicated gradually to ambassadors, especially the ambassadors of the United States and France, concerning its vision for resuming trilateral negotiations in Naqoura immediately upon announcing a ceasefire that allows for stopping the fire in Gaza, entering aid, and beginning the processes of prisoner and detainee exchanges.
The mechanism stipulates halting Israeli violations on land, sea, and Lebanese airspace as a precondition set by Lebanon for returning to negotiations related to addressing the outstanding issues in Resolution 1701 and how to implement it. Minister Bou Habib discussed with President Nabih Berri the ongoing communications in light of the continued Israeli aggression against the villages in the southern front.
Bou Habib revealed from Ain al-Tineh that he delivered a message from the Lebanese state to the French ambassador in Beirut, Herve Magro, which included a response to the French initiative regarding cooling the southern front, containing many good and acceptable points according to Bou Habib. He added that there are other points that need further discussion, pointing out that it is important to reach a kind of agreement that grants the southern side permanent and complete stability.
The Lebanese message stated that Beirut believes the French initiative could be an important step towards peace and security in Lebanon and the entire region. The message also conveyed that once violations cease, Lebanon will commit to resuming trilateral meetings with UNIFIL in Naqoura to discuss the disagreements and reach an agreement regarding the full and comprehensive implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, according to "Al-Liwaa."
Bou Habib received Ambassador Magro, thanking him for the affection and ongoing French interest in Lebanon, where France desires only goodness and prosperity for Lebanon. He handed him the official Lebanese response to the French initiative concerning setting a vision for stability in southern Lebanon, expressing Lebanon's deep gratitude for the French efforts. The Lebanese response came in light of considering the French initiative as an important step towards achieving peace and security in southern Lebanon. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Lebanese position, which does not wish for war and demands the full and comprehensive implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Barbara Leaf, noted that the Israeli army would not risk launching a wide-range attack in the north.
