US envoy meets Lebanese official to discuss maritime border demarcation

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The American envoy, Amos Hochstein, continued his tour of senior Lebanese officials, today, Wednesday, presenting new proposals to discuss the demarcation of the Lebanese southern maritime border with occupied Palestine.

Al Mayadeen correspondent reported that a meeting was held, away from the media, bringing together the American envoy to Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, during which they discussed the new American offer in light of Lebanon's message to the United Nations, which reasserted Lebanon's hold on all its gas and oil wealth.

Hochstein also met with Army Commander Joseph Aoun, who confirmed that the army is committed to any political decision regarding border demarcation.

Also, Prime Minister Najib Mikati received the American mediator, Hochstein, this afternoon at his residence, in the presence of the US Ambassador, Dorothy Shea.

During the meeting, they discussed Hochstein's new proposals, and Mikati indicated that he will consult with President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to determine the Lebanese position.

The US Embassy in Beirut indicated that an agreement on maritime borders can create what is called a much-needed opportunity "to achieve prosperity for Lebanon's future."

Hochstein is considered a close associate of US President Joe Biden and was an aide to him. Israeli media reported that he was born and raised in "Israel" before moving to the United States.

Lebanon writes to UN on maritime border ahead of Hochstein visit

Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Lebanon reported on Friday, that the Lebanese government sent a letter to the United Nations at the beginning of the week, affirming its adherence to its maritime rights and assets. 

According to the correspondent, the letter "confirmed Beirut's adherence to what the Lebanese negotiating delegation put forward concerning the border with occupied Palestine," noting that "the letter expresses rejection of the Israeli objection to the licensing on Block 9 on the border."

"Karish gas field has become a contested field and is not an Israeli one."

The Lebanese letter to the United Nations comes just a few days before an American mediator arrives in the country, the correspondent said, explaining that Lebanon, in its letter, asserted that the "Karish gas field has become a contested field and is not an Israeli one."

Lebanon and the Israeli side resumed, at the beginning of last May, indirect negotiations to demarcate the maritime borders under the auspices of the United States of America, after a hiatus that lasted for several months, due to debates about the area of ​​the disputed region, according to what was reported by the Lebanese official National News Agency.