ROME, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Representatives of Israel and Lebanon on Tuesday began a new round of talks in Rome aimed at advancing the implementation of a ceasefire arrangement and addressing border security issues, according to local media.
The two-day closed-door talks are being held at the U.S. Embassy in Rome and involve diplomatic delegations from the two sides rather than military representatives, Italian news agency ANSA reported.
The meeting marks the first round of talks since Israel and Lebanon reached a U.S.-brokered framework agreement in Washington in late June, aimed at paving the way for a final peace accord.
At the center of the discussions is the implementation of the so-called "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon, which are currently under Israeli military control. Under the framework agreement, Israeli forces are to gradually withdraw from the areas, which will then be transferred to the Lebanese Armed Forces. Israel has made Hezbollah's disarmament a condition for completing the withdrawal, while Hezbollah insists that Israel must first fully withdraw from Lebanese territory.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said hosting the talks in Rome underscored Italy's role in Middle East affairs, adding that the country stands ready to provide further support for efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
