Sources at the Grand Serail told Al-Jadeed that “the Washington meeting is preparatory to launching a negotiation track between Lebanon and Israel.”
They indicated that “the talks are an important step for Lebanon, and the decision to participate comes in implementation of an initiative by the President of the Republic and the government, despite Hezbollah’s objection.”
They added that “this meeting demonstrates the independence of Lebanon’s foreign policy and the state’s ability to choose its own independent course.”
The sources noted that “through the meeting, the Lebanese state seeks to reduce the pace of clashes and Israeli attacks and to secure broader protection for Lebanese territory.”
They also stressed that “the state is seeking to end the Israeli occupation and obtain a position from the United States affirming the unity of Lebanese territory and rejecting any occupation.”
They concluded by noting that “a viewpoint has begun to emerge in Lebanon that the negotiations should aim to end the state of armed conflict and open a path toward lasting peace.”
