Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of violating a U.S.-sponsored framework as a Lebanese military delegation prepares for talks in Florida on Oct. 20 over violence in the south.
Aoun made the accusation Monday during a meeting in Baabda with Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy. The Lebanese presidency said ongoing incidents in southern Lebanon were disrupting the government’s ability to meet its objectives.
Aoun argued that Lebanon should keep pursuing diplomacy, saying war would impose a far greater cost on the Lebanese people, particularly those in the south.
The framework signed by Lebanon and Israel on June 26 under U.S. sponsorship provides for a gradual Israeli withdrawal, deployment of the Lebanese army and Hezbollah’s disarmament.
Anadolu Agency reported that Fahmy pledged Arab League backing for Lebanese state institutions and opposed infringements on the country’s sovereignty. Fahmy said the league was ready to engage Arab and Western countries to mobilize support. It was also working on practical measures and financial assistance for Lebanon, the report said.
The Lebanese presidency said a military delegation was scheduled to attend the planned Tampa talks on Oct. 20 to seek an end to Israeli escalation.
