Washington announces the launch of three pilot zones in southern Lebanon

Washington, July 20 (KUNA) — The United States announced on Monday the commencement of operations in three experimental zones in southern Lebanon, where the Lebanese Army is expected to deploy in tandem with the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation army, a move resulting from negotiations held in Rome last week and in accordance with the trilateral framework signed in Washington late last month.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement, “Operations in the experimental zones in Froun, Sarafa, and Zgharta al-Gharbiya began today.” He noted that the activation of these zones is “in accordance with the trilateral framework and under the auspices of the Lebanon Special Military Coordination Group,” adding that this step also resulted from discussions held last week in Rome between the two sides.

He affirmed that the United States would continue to “work closely” with Lebanon and the occupying Israeli entity “to implement this framework and achieve successful outcomes.”

The sixth round of negotiations yielded a preliminary agreement to designate two experimental zones to initiate the Israeli occupation’s withdrawal, marking a limited breakthrough since the signing of the framework agreement on June 26 in Washington under U.S. sponsorship, while more sensitive issues were left pending for subsequent rounds and an additional military meeting.

It is recalled that the negotiations also focused on the item concerning the timeline for this withdrawal. (End) R.S.R. / N.W.F.