Aoun Says Lebanon Will Seek Halt to Israeli Escalation at Tampa Talks

President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon’s military delegation would attend October 20 talks with Israel and the United States in Tampa, seeking an end to what he described as Israeli escalation. Speaking during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot at Baabda Palace, Aoun said the delegation would pursue implementation of the framework agreement. He also sought an international security presence in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL’s mission ends. Aoun said Lebanese forces were seizing weapons and ammunition, while Barrot backed full implementation of the June 26 cessation-of-hostilities agreement and Resolution 1701.