Difficult talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington
The Lebanese-Israeli negotiations are at a standstill at both the military and political levels, MTV reported on Thursday.
"There is Israeli evasion in the Lebanese-Israeli negotiation sessions regarding any discussion of a timetable for withdrawal, and Israel is setting very difficult conditions for withdrawal," the TV network said.
"More than 10 proposals for pilot zones submitted by the Lebanese delegation and the U.S. side did not gain the approval of the Israelis, who insist that the Lebanese Army must operate in areas outside the occupation zone south and north of the Litani River," MTV added.
Pilot zones are areas from which Israeli forces would withdraw to be replaced by the Lebanese Army, which would become in charge of clearing the area of weapons and militants.
"The Lebanese and Israeli military delegations discussed a security annex, but many points remain contentious in the wording and content, such as linking withdrawal to complete disarmament. However, there is agreement on other points," MTV added.
Sources later told Al-Arabiya that a "declaration of intent" was expected to be issued later Thursday, after Lebanese and Israeli negotiators "reached an advanced formula."
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