Lebanese PM: Negotiations are the cheapest way to end conflict with Israel

The condition of residents in Beirut Lebanon/ © UNICEF/Dar al-Mussawir

JAKARTA - Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reiterated that the negotiation process remains the least costly way for Lebanon to end the conflict with Israel.

"I reiterate that negotiations are the least costly option for Lebanon. The more efforts that are brought together under the auspices of the state, the shorter the path to ending the occupation and the return of southern residents to their cities and villages," Salam said, as quoted by the Lebanese government.

Salam emphasized that the main task at this time is to ensure that the ceasefire applies throughout Lebanon.

The statement was made during the new direct talks between Lebanon and Israel, which were mediated by the United States, which began in Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Lebanese Embassy in Washington the day before said the Hezbollah group had agreed to a US proposal on a cessation of reciprocal attacks with Israel.

Based on the proposal, Israel is expected to stop attacks on the southern outskirts of Beirut, while Hezbollah refrains from attacking Israeli territory.

Previously, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the government was trying to maintain stability in the country and prevent social divisions. He also stressed that there was no alternative to negotiations to end the conflict.

On the same day, Hezbollah said it was ready to comply with the ceasefire on the condition that Israel stopped its attacks throughout Lebanon.

Hizbollah leader Mahmoud Qomati said the group rejected a scheme that would only stop attacks on the southern outskirts of Beirut in return for a cessation of attacks on northern Israel, and demanded a complete cessation of hostilities.