Lebanon is receiving the U.S. presidential envoy Amos Hochstein, with those in contact with him refusing to express any opinion about what he might bring in terms of information or demands, even as late as last night. However, President Nabih Berri, who is the most authorized to discuss this file, has been very cautious in handling the matter, stating that it would have been better if Hochstein had postponed his visit to Beirut until after Thursday, which is when negotiations regarding Gaza will resume.
With ongoing questions regarding what Hochstein may convey, sources agreed on one interpretation linking the visit to heightened alertness. In this context, President Berri confirmed, "I do not have information about what Hochstein will bring us, but my impression is that he will resume his discussions with us from where we left off last time." He noted, "We would have preferred that he comes after Thursday to see the results of the negotiations, knowing that Hochstein is aware of our official position on implementing Resolution 1701, and we are keen on a ceasefire, but this is contingent upon stopping the aggression on Gaza."
As reported by "Al-Akhbar," Hochstein is expected to meet with Berri, then with Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib together, as well as with Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, before meeting with representatives of the opposition forces in Parliament. Meanwhile, informed circles expect that Hochstein will confirm the information spread by his administration and some capitals concerned with the negotiation process about the near completion of the agreement, and that Lebanon should be prepared for arrangements on its front as soon as a truce is achieved. He is also expected to continue mediating on several outstanding issues, especially regarding the role of the army and the international peacekeeping forces operating in the south (UNIFIL) and the delimitation of the land borders, according to "Al-Akhbar."
