Lebanon's Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar on Wednesday affirmed his country's commitment to direct negotiations with Israel, under US sponsorship, to secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, the deployment of the Lebanese army and the return of residents to their villages. He said Beirut had decided to pursue a separate negotiating track amid regional tensions and their repercussions for Lebanon.
Al-Hajjar's talks in Pakistan and the negotiating track
Al-Hajjar made the remarks during an official visit to Pakistan, where he held talks with the Pakistani president, prime minister, army chief and interior minister. The meetings discussed regional conditions, particularly developments in Lebanon and the negotiating track led by President Joseph Aoun under US sponsorship, as well as the continued Israeli presence and operations in the south.
Lebanon and Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding on prisoner exchanges during the visit. The two sides also discussed enhancing cooperation in combating drugs and terrorism and exchanging information. Al-Hajjar said Islamabad was ready to support Lebanon, stressing its regional role.
The conference will open in Paris on Thursday, 17 September, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Jordan's King Abdullah in attendance.
