
The negotiations aim to settle the dispute over the maritime borders and a disputed area - in red on the map - (map: DR)
ISRAEL / LEBANON. Talks between Israel and Lebanon began on Wednesday 14 October 2020 with a first round of talks in Naqoura, Lebanon, at the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL. The discussions focused on the delimitation of the maritime border between the two countries, an area with great potential for natural gas. Under the aegis of the United Nations, this first meeting is being led by Jan Kubis, the UN coordinator for Lebanon, and the American Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs, David Schenker.
In a joint communication issued after the first meeting, the two organisers described the talks as "fruitful talks", while "reaffirming their commitment to continue negotiations later this month". A new session is scheduled to take place on 28 October 2020.
"The UN is fully committed to supporting the parties in the talks, through its representatives and as they have requested, as they strive to reach an agreed final outcome," said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General in a statement.
In a joint communication issued after the first meeting, the two organisers described the talks as "fruitful talks", while "reaffirming their commitment to continue negotiations later this month". A new session is scheduled to take place on 28 October 2020.
"The UN is fully committed to supporting the parties in the talks, through its representatives and as they have requested, as they strive to reach an agreed final outcome," said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General in a statement.