TUNIS, August 7. /TASS/. During intensive contacts with Israel, the United States called on it to "reduce tensions in Lebanon" and supported negotiations between the nations in Rome, Al Hadath TV channel quoted sources as saying.
According to the sources, Washington also assured Lebanon of its "commitment to a successful completion of the negotiation process" with Israel.
The day before, a US State Department official told journalists that the Israeli and Lebanese delegations held productive three·day consultations at the expert and technical levels in Rome. According to the official, the positions of both sides have "significantly converged."
The seventh round of negotiations in Rome between Lebanon and Israel took place from August 4 to 6 and was devoted to the implementation of the framework agreement reached with the mediation of the United States. The document, signed on June 26, provides for a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, the transfer of control over the liberated areas to the Lebanese army, and the creation of pilot zones, in which the Lebanese army must ensure security.
According to Al Hadath, despite some easing of tensions after the signing of the agreement, Israel maintains a military presence in southern Lebanon and continues to strike targets of the Hezbollah Shiite movement.