The UN Secretary-General has welcomed the launch of ground-breaking
discussions on Wednesday, over the disputed maritime border between
Lebanon and Israel in the eastern Mediterranean, following a
framework agreement between the two nations at the beginning of the
month.
The process to resolve the long-running dispute, which could lead
to the development of what news reports suggest are potentially
lucrative natural gas fields under the disputed area, is being
facilitated by the UN and the United States.
‘Fully committed’ to support talks
“The United Nations through its representatives is fully
committed to supporting the parties in the discussions, as
requested by them, as they work towards a final agreed outcome”,
said a statement release by the Spokesperson for UN chief António
Guterres, after the reportedly hour-long initial meeting in the
Lebanese town of Naqoura.
Both sides have agreed to meet again at the end of the month,
according to reports. The two nations are still formally in a
state of war.
A statement released on Wednesday by the US administration and
the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, noted that
the Israeli delegation was headed by Udi Adiri, Director General
of the Ministry of Energy.
The Lebanese delegation was headed by Brigadier General Bassam
Yassine, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations from the Lebanese
Armed Forces.
Described as an initial meeting, the joint US and UN statement
said that the representatives held “productive talks and
reaffirmed their commitment to continue negotiations later this
month”.
