Aoun Calls for Ceasefire Before Advancing Israel Talks

Beirut: (Web Desk) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has stressed that a comprehensive ceasefire is essential for meaningful progress in negotiations with Israel, during a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday.

According to a statement from the Lebanese presidency, Aoun expressed appreciation for continued US support but emphasized that Israeli military operations on Lebanese territory must come to an end. He said a full ceasefire remains a key requirement for advancing upcoming Lebanese-US-Israeli talks scheduled to be held in Washington.

Meanwhile, the US State Department confirmed that negotiations will resume in Washington from June 23 to 25. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the discussions are expected to create an opportunity for the parties to move closer to a durable and lasting peace.

The Lebanese presidency also noted that Rubio underscored the importance of Lebanon continuing efforts to disarm Hezbollah, which has been engaged in hostilities with Israel along the country’s southern border.

Pigott said the upcoming talks would bring together the two sovereign governments to seek progress toward long-term stability. He added that Rubio reiterated Washington’s position that Hezbollah must be disarmed and that the Lebanese government should reassert full authority across its territory.

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Separately, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, stated on social media that Israel remains ready for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, provided Hezbollah complies with existing agreements and halts its attacks.