US Embassy in Beirut: Conclusion of Rome talks and agreement on a framework for experimental zones

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut announced on Wednesday the conclusion of talks between Lebanon and the Israeli occupation, sponsored by the United States, in the Italian capital, Rome, following two days of “productive and positive discussions” among the parties concerned. In a statement, the U.S. Embassy said that the talks held in Rome resulted in an agreement on the structure and operational guidelines for the pilot areas in southern Lebanon, with “final procedures to be completed and implementation to begin in the coming days.” The statement added that the next phase would involve “extended technical talks focused on implementing all provisions of the tripartite framework, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement between Lebanon and Israel.” These diplomatic moves come amid intense international and U.S. efforts to consolidate the framework agreement reached in Washington last month and to extend the authority of the Lebanese state in order to enhance stability along the international border.