Ali Hijazi: Lebanon's negotiator 'not pessimistic' regarding ceasefire
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As talks for a ceasefire in Lebanon resume, Ali Hijazi confirms that the American draft could be altered to suit the demands of all parties involved.
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Ali Hijazi, leader of the Ba'ath Party in Lebanon, speaks to Al Mayadeen, on November 22, 2024. (Screengrab)
The articles of the American draft regarding a ceasefire in Lebanon "can be worked around to reach an acceptable end piece for both parties," Ali Hijazi, the Secretary-General of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party in Lebanon, told Al Mayadeen on Friday.
Hijazi noted that the Lebanese negotiating side was not pessimistic, but believes that the end result is related to the intentions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, further indicating that an agreement exists to keep the discussion of all proposed ideas confidential.
He further emphasized that the Lebanese side was extremely wary of loopholes included in the draft proposal, actively untangled them, and managed to come out with a clear and straightforward text that cannot be misinterpreted, neither at this current stage nor at a later one.
Hijazi asserted the Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri's right to negotiate, affirming that negotiations also include the consideration of the interim Prime Minister, Najib Mikati.
He clarified that "Lebanon objected to the issue of the gradual withdrawal of the occupation and demanded an immediate withdrawal," stressing that the Lebanese negotiator rejected clauses that were considered a violation of Lebanese sovereignty.
The leader of the Ba'ath Party in Lebanon stated that "if the assurances received by the Lebanese negotiator prove to be true, there is a possibility of reaching an agreement for a ceasefire."
"We will not back down or fear anything, this battle is not one where we are guests, we are a party whose core cause is Palestine," Hijazi stated.
Lebanon's non-negotiables for a ceasefire
A few days ago, Loyalty to the Resistance bloc MP Ihab Hamadeh discussed the issue of a ceasefire in Lebanon during an interview with Al Mayadeen.
Hamadeh explained that a list of non-negotiables was proposed, a ceasefire being at its forefront. The second and third non-negotiables, according to Hamadeh, are the protection of Lebanese sovereignty and the prevention of the occupation to achieve in politics what it failed to achieve on the battlefield.
"We cannot surrender to anything that would compromise our country's sovereignty," Hamadeh added, further noting that not everything reported about the Israeli-USproposal is true.
The MP further stated Lebanon's openness to reach a ceasefire agreement and to dialogue, but asserted that "we will not beg for any agreement," emphasizing that "the steadfastness on the ground in Gaza and Lebanon presents a wonderful image in the face of the occupation."
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Monday that "Israel" will continue its military operations against Hezbollah even if a ceasefire agreement is reached in Lebanon.
"The most important thing is not (the deal that) will be laid on paper... We will be forced to ensure our security in the north (of Israel) and to systematically carry out operations against Hezbollah's attacks... even after a ceasefire", to keep the Resistance from regrouping, Netanyahu said before the Knesset.
This comes as reports recently indicated that the US has proposed a ceasefire to address the ongoing war on Lebanon.
