PNN – Former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora criticized the content of the framework agreement with the Zionist regime, emphasizing that the failure to include provisions for “withdrawal” and a “ceasefire” in the agreement is unacceptable.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network citing Al Jazeera, Siniora criticized the terms of the framework agreement with Israel during an interview with the network, adding that it is unacceptable for the agreement to exclude the issues of troop withdrawal and a ceasefire.
Referring to the current crisis in Lebanon—and without mentioning the inaction of the Beirut government—Siniora claimed that the situation on the ground has become extremely difficult following actions taken by Hezbollah without consultation, and that the government has been compelled to enter into negotiations precisely because of these trying circumstances caused by Hezbollah.
The former Lebanese Prime Minister went on to assert the existence of a “convergence of interests” between Hezbollah and Israel, emphasizing that each side uses the other as a pretext for its own actions.
He noted that the current framework agreement is a step toward ridding Lebanon of all weapons, except those held by the state.
Siniora acknowledged that the framework agreement did not address the issue of an Israeli withdrawal, limiting itself instead to the redeployment of Israeli forces.
He pointed to the Zionist regime’s history of reneging on agreements, stating: The other party [Israel] to the framework agreement has a well-known track record of deceit and failure to honor agreements.
Siniora, while disparaging the Resistance in Lebanon and ignoring its role in deterring aggression by the Zionist regime, claimed: The negotiating cards we hold are not strong due to Hezbollah’s actions.
The former Lebanese Prime Minister stated that his country needs to strengthen its negotiating team by including members with extensive experience in international negotiations.
He did not view the framework agreement as the end of the process; rather, he described it as a prelude to a series of negotiations.
Siniora added: We are negotiating with a belligerent and ruthless adversary, and we should not send anyone to engage with them other than those with extensive experience and a long track record in negotiations.
Siniora went on to say that the United States must maintain a degree of balance in its role regarding negotiations concerning Lebanon.
He concluded by adding that Lebanon must remain committed to the principle of negotiating on its own behalf.