Lebanese official says negotiations over south still ongoing

The negotiations over a solution in Gaza and south Lebanon are still ongoing and it is not true that they have collapsed, a prominent Lebanese political source has said.

“The big key is still in Gaza and we in Lebanon are only a connected front. We are working on preparations for the solutions,” the source told al-Joumhouria newspaper in remarks published Wednesday.

“The file of the south is on the table and there are efforts regarding the new formulations that were brought by U.S. presidential envoy Amos Hochstein in connection with the two meetings that he held during his first and second visits,” the source added.

Describing Hochstein’s latest proposals as “more consistent” and “can be considered a serious prelude to the implementation of Resolution 1701,” the source said “this is all hinging on finalizing a deal in Gaza.”

“Everyone knows that the situation in Gaza must change so that there can be a start for the implementation of what gets agreed on regarding the south,” the source added.