Arab League chief welcomes Lebanon-Israel framework

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit welcomed the framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel under US mediation, calling it an important step toward restoring Lebanese sovereignty and securing a full Israeli withdrawal from the south.

In a phone call with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Aboul Gheit reaffirmed the Arab League's full solidarity with Lebanon and its readiness to fulfil its responsibilities, while expressing continued support for the government's efforts to preserve security and stability.

The Secretary-General did not, however, offer unconditional optimism. He warned against Israel's "continued provocative policies and aggressive approach aimed at evading its commitments and undermining the implementation of the agreement », a pointed signal that Arab capitals will be watching closely to ensure Jerusalem honours the terms of the deal.

Aboul Gheit also called on the Lebanese people to stand united behind the state and government, urging national unity in the face of "persistent attempts to sow discord and threaten civil peace", a clear reference to Hezbollah's attempts to derail the agreement and the protests its supporters staged on Beirut's streets Friday night.