Lebanon seeks 'real ceasefire' that begins Monday
Lebanon is conducting intensive contacts in coordination with the U.S. with the aim of reaching a comprehensive ceasefire with Israel, sources told Sky News Arabia.
"The possibility of announcing a ceasefire at midnight tomorrow is still on the table, but no Israeli approval of this agreement has been reached until the moment," the sources said.
A Lebanese official meanwhile told Al-Jadeed TV that "the current extension of the ceasefire will face a test starting the night of May 17."
"The Lebanese side has demanded a formula based on stopping the targeting of infrastructure and civilians," the official said.
"The U.S. position was understanding and supportive of the Lebanese viewpoint, while Israel expressed its readiness on the condition of commitment from both sides. Based on this conclusion, the state informed Hezbollah of the matter through Speaker Nabih Berri," the official added.
Asharq al-Awsat newspaper also reported that "Lebanon will test Israel's commitment to the ceasefire and the cessation of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure early Monday morning, as well as Hezbollah's corresponding commitment."
"This is intended to pave the way for a smooth start to the security track by the end of this month and the resumption of the political track at the beginning of next month," the daily said.
A Lebanese official source told the newspaper that the contacts Lebanon is conducting after the conclusion of the first round of direct negotiations with Israel in Washington are focused on securing these principles before moving to subsequent steps in the security and political tracks.
The source confirmed that Lebanon emphasized to the U.S. sponsor of the negotiations the necessity of a ceasefire and an end to the targeting of infrastructure and civilian facilities. The source explained that the initial response from the Israeli side expressed a willingness to comply if the other party, Hezbollah, does the same.
The source added: "We have informed the relevant sides within Hezbollah of these developments."
He added: "The Lebanese presidency was informed by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri of the party's readiness to cease fire, provided Israel adheres to it. Therefore, matters are now at a critical juncture, especially since the Israeli side's commitments are unreliable, as experience has shown thus far."
The source also announced that Berri has informed the presidency that Hezbollah is "prepared to issue a public pledge to this effect."
Source: Naharnet
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