Hochstein in Beirut: 'Positive atmosphere' ahead of talks in 'Israel'
3 Min Read
"I won’t delve into the details of this discussion... but there has been positive progress, and the atmosphere is encouraging," Hochstein said following his meeting with Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri.
-
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (R) meets with US special envoy Amos Hochstein in Beirut on November 19, 2024. (AFP)
US Presidential Envoy Amos Hochstein highlighted a step-by-step approach to addressing the ongoing situation, underscoring close coordination with the administrations in Lebanon and "Israel."
He further affirmed the intention to provide updates on developments as they unfold.
Following his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Hochstein remarked, "I won’t delve into the details of this discussion... but there has been positive progress, and the atmosphere is encouraging."
He added, "In a few hours, I will head to Israel for further talks in an effort to reach a resolution, if possible."
The meeting was the second between Hochstein and Speaker Berri within 24 hours, following a prior discussion described as productive. Progress was reportedly made in narrowing gaps, with indications of a continuing opportunity for positive developments.
Hochstein extended his stay in Beirut to advance discussions on the U.S. draft ceasefire proposal. During his visit, he held meetings with Speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati to assess Lebanon's stance on the proposal.
Arriving at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport on Tuesday morning, the U.S. Presidential Envoy’s visit reportedly focuses on obtaining Lebanon’s response to the U.S. ceasefire proposal. Following this, he is expected to travel to "Tel Aviv" to continue the negotiations.
Arriving at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport on Tuesday morning, Hochstein's visit focuses on obtaining Lebanon’s response to the US ceasefire proposal. Following this, he is expected to travel to Tel Aviv to continue the negotiations.
Hezbollah MP reveals three non-negotiables for a ceasefire in Lebanon
MP Ihab Hamadeh of the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc told Al Mayadeen on Monday that a list of non-negotiables was affirmed during the talks, 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," he added, further noting that not everything reported about the Israeli-US proposal is true.
The MP further stated Lebanon's openness to reaching a ceasefire agreement and to dialogue but asserted that "we will not beg for any agreement."
Read more: Ceasefire hinges on 'Israel' after Lebanon agreed to US proposal
