A Lebanese delegation is holding talks in Washington with U.S. and Israeli officials on security arrangements aimed at restoring stability in southern Lebanon, President Joseph Aoun said.
Speaking during a meeting in Beirut with a British parliamentary delegation, Aoun said the discussions include a proposal to establish “pilot zones” under the control of the Lebanese Army in areas vacated by Israeli troops, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.
“Among the topics under discussion is a proposal to establish ‘pilot zones’ under the control of the Lebanese Army in areas from which Israeli troops will withdraw,” Aoun said, according to a statement from the presidential office. “The demarcation of the boundaries of these pilot zones is subject to Israel’s approval.”
Aoun said the parties were working to reinforce the ceasefire, which would then be followed by an Israeli troop withdrawal and the deployment of the Lebanese Army, paving the way for post-war reconstruction.
The Lebanese president also said the talks in Washington were not linked to the outcome of meetings held in Switzerland on June 21 between the United States and Iran, with the participation of Qatar and Pakistan.
The proposal to create the “pilot zones” was put forward by the United States during the fourth round of talks in Washington on June 2-3. Under the plan, the Lebanese military would be expected to demonstrate that it can maintain control in the areas and prevent possible incursions by Hezbollah, whose fighters are required to withdraw completely from territory south of the Litani River.
By Sabina Mammadli
