Lebanon will not compromise on its rights during US-hosted talks with Israel: Maronite patriarch

Lebanon will not compromise on its rights during US-hosted negotiations with Israel, Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi said Thursday.

Al-Rahi met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun ahead of a second round of talks Thursday in Washington between Lebanon and Israel, the presidency said in a statement.

Al-Rahi said Aoun rejects any negotiations that would undermine Lebanon’s rights, stressing that the president “represents all Lebanese and does not speak from a sectarian standpoint.”

The patriarch said discussions with Aoun also focused on the need to “establish humanitarian corridors for residents of southern Lebanon to ensure access to food and medical aid, as well as safe passage for treatment,” describing it as a “right guaranteed under international law.”

He emphasized the importance of supporting the army and its leadership, urging all parties to back the military institution.

Addressing doubts about the negotiation process, al-Rahi said Aoun’s position has been clear on rejecting any compromise of Lebanon’s rights.

Aoun recently outlined Lebanon’s goals in the talks as ending Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory and people, securing an Israeli withdrawal, extending full state authority across all Lebanese territory exclusively through state forces and ensuring the return of detainees.

Washington is set to host a second round of ambassador-level talks later Thursday in an effort to reach a peace agreement.

The first round on April 14, the first talks in 43 years, resulted in a temporary ceasefire and an agreement to begin direct negotiations at a later stage.

Lebanon is seeking to extend a US-announced 10-day ceasefire, which expires Sunday, that has been repeatedly violated by Israel, according to Lebanese officials.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul