Negotiations Framework Nearly Set in Lebanon Border Dispute

The Lebanese Foreign Ministry says Lebanon and Israel are close to establishing a framework for negotiations on demarcating the Lebanese-Israeli land and maritime borders.

In a statement, it says the form of negotiations to be held under United Nations auspices and the role of each of the concerned parties is still being worked out. The proposed negotiations are to be overseen by Washington, which has been mediating between the two nations.

The statement came after a meeting Tuesday between Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil and U.S. Acting Secretary of State David Satterfield. He has been shuttling between the two countries to mediate in the border dispute.

The Foreign Ministry said Satterfield conveyed Israel’s response to the Lebanese proposals and that the atmosphere was “positive.”