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.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit © Mena Today
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.
By Ramy El Iskandarani
Lebanese Foreign Minister Joe Raggi received a call Saturday from his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi, who congratulated Beirut on signing the framework agreement with Israel negotiated under American auspices.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected a U.S.-brokered security agreement between Lebanon and Israel on Saturday a day after it was signed, describing it as a surrender to Israel.
The framework agreement reached Friday between Lebanon and Israel at the fifth round of Washington negotiations is drawing sharply contrasting reactions across Lebanon's political landscape, with Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel declaring victory and Aounist figure Gebran Bassil sounding notes of caution.
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