BEIRUT, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday defended his decision to pursue negotiations with Israel, as Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon wounded two people.
Describing the talks as a difficult but necessary choice, Aoun said it reinforces Lebanon's sovereignty by allowing the state to negotiate on its own behalf and shields the country from the fallout of an imposed war, according to a statement released by Lebanon presidency.
The proposed framework agreement could restore Lebanon's rights through diplomatic means if Israel adheres to its provisions, Aoun said, dismissing criticism over the current negotiating track.
Meanwhile, Israeli attacks continued in southern Lebanon on Friday. Earlier in the day, an Israeli drone struck a pickup truck on the outskirts of Shoukine in the Nabatieh district, wounding two people, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA).
Israel also carried out strikes on Kfar Remmen and Nabatieh al-Fawqa, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage, according to the NNA.
The strikes occurred despite a U.S.-brokered framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel on June 26 aimed at ending hostilities along the border. ■
