Abu Dhabi, capitals (WAM, agencies)
The UAE welcomed the Lebanese Republic and the State of Israel reaching an agreement on the demarcation of the maritime borders, and appreciated the tireless mediation efforts undertaken by the United States of America between the two countries, and expressed hope that this step would contribute to strengthening the stability of the region.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation praised this agreement and the efforts that made it possible, stressing that it is a positive and practical step to advance the paths of prosperity and development, and achieve the economic interests of both countries.
The ministry stressed the importance of the two countries’ cooperation to enhance economic interests and consolidate regional peace and security.
After intense negotiations mediated by the United States, Israel and Lebanon reached a “historic agreement” to demarcate their maritime borders and remove the main obstacles to exploiting gas fields in the eastern Mediterranean, while US President Joe Biden affirmed that the United States stands by Lebanon to achieve stability and enable it to strengthen its economy and benefit from its natural wealth.
Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said that his country and Lebanon had reached a “historic agreement” to demarcate the maritime borders.
Lapid added in a statement that “this historic agreement will enhance Israel’s security, pump billions into the economy and ensure the stability of the northern border,” noting that a security cabinet meeting is scheduled for Wednesday on it.
“The draft agreement meets all the security and economic principles set by Israel,” he added.
For its part, the Lebanese presidency said in a statement: The final, amended official version submitted by the American mediator, Amos Hochstein, of the agreement on the southern maritime border meets the Lebanese demands.
She said: “The final formula preserved Lebanon’s rights to its natural wealth, at an important time for the Lebanese.”
The statement added that Lebanese President Michel Aoun expressed his thanks to the US mediator and the US administration for the efforts made to reach this formula, stressing that he will conduct the necessary consultations on this national issue in preparation for an official announcement of the unified national position.
Aoun also received a call from his American counterpart, Joe Biden, to congratulate him on the completion of the maritime border demarcation negotiations.
The Lebanese presidency announced in a tweet that Biden congratulated Aoun during the call on the conclusion of negotiations to demarcate the southern maritime borders, and assured him that “the United States stands by Lebanon to achieve stability and enable it to strengthen its economy and benefit from its natural resources.”
In this context, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said: “The unified Lebanese position on the file and Lebanon’s adherence to its rights and demands led to this positive result,” calling on Total to immediately explore in Lebanese waters.
Mikati’s words came while receiving from the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Elias Bou Saab, a copy of the final draft of the agreement at the Grand Serail in central Beirut, according to a statement by his media office.
Mikati expressed his “hope that matters will reach their conclusion and then take practical steps to explore for gas in Lebanese waters.”
Mikati and Energy Minister Walid Fayyad also met with a delegation from the French company Total.
In a statement to reporters, Fayyad said that the demarcation agreement is a positive spirit that will allow Lebanon to move to another place that will put it on the map of the oil region.
He explained that the excavation work is a process that takes months, and that Total will prepare the plan, and Lebanon will confirm that it is a quick plan, logistical matters will be prepared and work will start immediately.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elias Bou Saab said that the draft demarcation of the southern border took into account Lebanon’s comments in full.
In response to a question whether the draft includes a return to the framework agreement and the signature will be in Naqoura, Bou Saab said: “I do not call that an agreement, it is an agreement with the Americans, and we will deposit this agreement, offer or message with the United Nations. The formula took into account Lebanon’s sensitivity and the negotiator found American solution.
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz praised the position of the Lebanese presidency for its support of the text, which he described as “positive for both sides.”
Gantz criticized the “Hezbollah” militia, saying: “The party tried to undermine the negotiating process with its threats.”
Under the new agreement, the Karish field will be entirely on the Israeli side, while the agreement guarantees Lebanon the Qana field, which goes beyond the demarcation line separating the two parties.
US envoy Amos Hochstein put forward a final version earlier this month that Israel accepted, but Lebanon requested some amendments.
