BEIRUT, November 15. /TASS/. A draft settlement plan envisaging a ceasefire along the Lebanese-Israeli border has been handed over by the American side to Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri, the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported.

According to the newspaper, the 13-point document provides, among other things, for the transition of the country’s southern areas after the withdrawal of Israeli troops under the control of the Lebanese army that will be backed by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL.

The speaker told the newspaper that the Lebanese government will respond to the proposals within 48 hours. However, he said that the Lebanese side will not accept the provision envisaging the establishment of a US-led commission to monitor the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701. "The UN peacekeepers are already tasked with such a mission and there is no need in establishing an alternative mechanism," Berri said.

According to the newspaper’s diplomatic sources in Beirut, the Lebanese authorities are also dubious about the provision on the "right to self-defense," fearing that this provision will give Israel a free hand to continue violating Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Under the plan, Israel is to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon within seven days after the agreement comes into effect, while the Lebanese government undertaking to make efforts to prevent activities of illegal armed groups and weapons supplies to them.

Berri told Asharq Al-Awsat that details of the future deal are being discussed. "The work continues, the atmosphere is positive," he said.