BEIRUT, Aug 24 (NNN-NNA) – Lebanon insists on getting the 860-square-km area, delineated by Line 23 on the maritime border map with Israel, and the Qana gas field, Lebanese caretaker Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, affirmed yesterday.
“Lebanon has a unified position concerning maritime border demarcation. We insist on Line 23 and the Qana field,” the minister said.
He added that, indirect negotiations with Israel are ongoing, and Lebanon is waiting for the next visit of the U.S. Energy Envoy, Amos Hochstein to Lebanon, to have a clear insight into Israel’s position about border demarcation.
In 2011, Lebanon claimed before the United Nations, the right to an 860-square-kilometre triangle area, delineated by Line 23 on the maritime border map with Israel.
However, Lebanon later expanded its demands, increasing the disputed area from 860 square km to 2,300 square km, delineated by Line 29 on the map, which would include at least part of the Karish North field, initially claimed by Israel.
This has resulted in the halt of indirect negotiations between the two sides.
Lebanese authorities have been trying to end the dispute with Israel, which has escalated after Israel sent a vessel to the Karish field on Jun 5.– NNN-NNA
