Beirut, June 4 (SANA) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Thursday that a ceasefire with Israel could begin within 24 hours of final approval and the provision of guarantees by all parties, according to the presidency.
Aoun said the outcome of U.S.-mediated talks in Washington and a joint statement issued afterward represented what he described as “the last opportunity” to reach a comprehensive ceasefire agreement.
He said Lebanon would submit its position to the United States after receiving responses from domestic parties adding that Washington would determine the timing and mechanism for implementing the agreement.
“The ceasefire could begin 24 hours after the United States is notified of approval and the necessary guarantees are provided,” Aoun said, adding that U.S. President Donald Trump would serve as a guarantor of the agreement’s implementation.
Aoun said Lebanese negotiators maintained their position during talks led by Simon Karam, which were briefly suspended before resuming following intervention by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
He said consultations were continuing with international and domestic parties to secure the agreement, while what he described as “friendly countries” continued to support Lebanon’s position.
Aoun said Lebanon had proposed pilot security zones in areas near Nabatieh, including Zawtar al-Sharqiya, Zawtar al-Gharbiya, Yahmar and the vicinity of Beaufort Castle.
The remarks followed a joint statement issued on Wednesday announcing an agreement to renew a fragile ceasefire and establish pilot zones under the control of the Lebanese Army, excluding non-state armed groups.
The U.S.-mediated talks follow weeks of Israeli strikes in Lebanon that, according to Lebanese authorities, have killed more than 3,500 people since March 2, despite a ceasefire that took effect on April 17 and was later extended until early July.
M.F / ABD
