Lebanese delegation heads south only after Israeli violations ended
The Lebanese Army confirms that Israeli boats violating the sovereignty of Lebanese waters have withdrawn.
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A UN vehicle riding on a highway toward Naqoura, as written on the blue sign, a Lebanese town that borders occupied Palestine.
Al Mayadeen correspondent reported that the Lebanese delegation responsible for the deal of Lebanon's Southern maritime border demaractaion headed to the site of the agreement in Naqoura after the Lebanese Army confirmed that Israeli boats violating the sovereignty of Lebanese waters withdrew.
Our correspondent said the Lebanese delegation refused to go to the signing site before Israeli boats withdrew, stressing that the delegation rejected Israeli assurances conveyed by UNIFIL.
Simultaneously, Israeli media reported that the Israeli delegation arrived at the United Nations base in Naqoura to sign the deal.
It was reported earlier today that the signing ceremony would be held at the UN base in the Lebanese border town of Ras Al-Naqoura, in the presence of the UN and the US delegations, noting that an Israeli delegation will be present in a separate room and the Lebanese delegation will not meet or engage with them in any way.
Deputy Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Elias Bou Saab announced that Lebanese President Michel Aoun had signed Lebanon's receipt and approval of the US letter regarding the demarcation of Lebanon's Southern maritime border.
The US mediator, Amos Hochstein, said in a press conference in Beirut, on Thursday "Today is a historic day," on account of reaching an agreement that "will provide great opportunities for Lebanon."
Hochstein pointed out that "this agreement will allow Lebanon to begin working in Block No. 9 without any threats that another will rob it of the bloc's proceeds" and added that "this agreement is between two 'countries' that do not have diplomatic relations between them, and will ensure that neither party to the agreement will seize the other's share."
Read more: Lebanon: Maritime border demarcation reflects unity of Lebanese stance