BEIRUT, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday called on the United States to press Israel to implement the "framework agreement" reached in Washington, accusing Israel of refusing to abide by its terms while Lebanon remains fully committed.
"The cooperation shown by the Lebanese side in implementing the agreement has not been met with any response from the Israeli side, which continues its military operations and threats," Aoun told visiting U.S. Congressmen Darin LaHood and Josh Gottheimer at the Baabda presidential palace, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency.
Aoun stressed the need to halt the blowing up, bulldozing and demolition of houses in the southern villages occupied by Israel, saying the agreement, reached through Lebanese-U.S.-Israeli negotiations in Washington, requires the swift return of the remaining Lebanese prisoners, the correction of disputed points along the Blue Line, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal allowing the Lebanese army to deploy up to the internationally recognized southern border.
Aoun warned that any delay by Israel would keep tensions high in the south and prevent the state from extending its authority over all its southern territory, removing armed presence and returning displaced residents to their towns and villages.
He also underlined the need to provide the Lebanese army with the resources it requires, noting its wide-ranging duties beyond the south, including fighting terrorism and smuggling.
For his part, LaHood said Lebanon has an opportunity to restore stability to the country and the wider region that must not be wasted, adding that Washington remains committed to supporting Lebanon and its army through continued military aid approved by Congress.
Also on Tuesday, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri highlighted the need to renew the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, in a meeting with LaHood and Gottheimer, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
Israel and Lebanon are due to meet in Rome in October for another round of U.S.-mediated talks aimed at reaching a security agreement, according to U.S. officials. A June ceasefire framework envisaged an Israeli withdrawal alongside the disarmament of Hezbollah, but implementation has stalled as Israel continues to carry out almost daily strikes in Lebanon.
Lebanon has repeatedly demanded that Israeli forces leave its territory. ■
