Former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora considered that the framework agreement with Israel does not constitute the end of the path, but rather represents an introduction to a series of negotiations, stressing the need for Lebanon to strengthen its negotiating team with elements who have long experience in international negotiations.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Siniora said that Lebanon is engaged in negotiations with a “ferocious and fierce enemy,” adding that only those with experience and ability should be sent to the negotiating table.
He believed that both Israel and the party are evasive and rely on the time factor regarding what they should do, considering that the opposite party to the framework agreement has a known record of evasion and non-compliance with agreements.
He added that the framework agreement did not address Israel’s withdrawal, and only talked about redeployment, considering it unacceptable that the agreement did not include the issue of withdrawal and a ceasefire.
Siniora pointed out that the negotiating cards that Lebanon has are not strong due to what the party did, pointing out that the state was forced to enter into negotiations because of the difficult situation caused by the party, and that the current reality is very difficult after what it did without consultation.
He also considered that the framework agreement represents a step towards making Lebanon free of weapons except those of the state, speaking of the existence of “serving interests” between the party and Israel, as he believes that each party uses the other as an excuse.
Siniora concluded by stressing the need for Washington to ensure a degree of balance in its role in the negotiations regarding Lebanon, stressing at the same time Lebanon’s adherence to the principle of negotiating on its own.
