BEIRUT — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced Saturday that Lebanon and Israel will participate in US-backed trilateral talks in Tampa, Florida, on October 20.In a statement published by the Lebanese presidency on X, Aoun said a Lebanese military delegation would attend the meeting to present the country’s demands and seek outcomes consistent with the US-sponsored framework agreement.The announcement came during Aoun’s meeting with a French delegation headed by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, during which the two sides discussed developments in southern Lebanon and efforts to restore stability.Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to extending the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), while expressing openness to alternative arrangements that would ensure a continued international presence in the country’s south.He stressed the importance of preventing a security vacuum following the expiration of UNIFIL’s current mandate.Barrot reaffirmed France’s solidarity with Lebanon and its continued support across various sectors, according to the presidential statement.The French foreign minister also expressed Paris’ readiness to mobilize resources to address Lebanon’s urgent humanitarian needs amid the continuing conflict.The diplomatic developments come as Israeli military operations continue in southern Lebanon despite a US-sponsored framework agreement reached in June.The agreement was intended to pave the way for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and the disarmament of Hezbollah.Israel launched its latest military offensive in southern Lebanon in early March, with airstrikes and other military operations continuing despite diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting cessation of hostilities.The October 20 meeting is expected to focus on Lebanon’s security demands and the implementation of the framework agreement, as international efforts continue to prevent further escalation along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
Keep Up to Date with our Weekly Newsletter
