Lebanon hopes for positive outcome of negotiations with Israel on maritime border

(Patria) – The Lebanese government hopes for a positive outcome of negotiations with Israel on the maritime border, Lebanese President Michel Aoun told the American mediator on Wednesday, after the latest round of negotiations was postponed.

Negotiations between these two old enemies on the maritime border began in October, and delegation meetings were held at a UN base. The dispute over the maritime border prevents hydrocarbon exploration in an area believed to be rich in natural gas.

After the last session was postponed, Aoun told American mediator John Desrocher that Lebanon wants the negotiations to succeed for the stabilization of southern Lebanon, as well as for oil and gas investments.

– The difficulties that arose in the last round of negotiations can be overcome through in-depth research based on international law and articles of the law of the sea, Aoun told Desrocher.

Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz stated on Monday that it was agreed with the Americans to postpone the negotiations for a couple of weeks.

Reuters writes that these negotiations are the culmination of three years of American diplomacy.

The dispute between Lebanon and Israel over the maritime border prevents oil and gas exploration in the disputed area.