On the left, U.S. President Donald Trump, during a speech in Washington. (Photo: AFP). On the right, his Lebanese counterpart, Joseph Aoun, during a meeting in Baabda. (Photo: Lebanese Presidency)
A first gain for the Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. He secured a cease-fire in Lebanon — albeit a temporary one — after a turbulent day of events.Late on Thursday, after speaking with his Lebanese counterpart, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ten-day cease-fire effective midnight, during which Beirut and Tel Aviv are expected to begin direct talks.The announcement came despite Aoun’s refusal — conveyed to Washington — to speak by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following a U.S.-Israeli proposal to that effect, or rather, the trap that had been set for him.Aoun stood firm, opting instead to maintain contact with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with whom he had what was described as a “very good” exchange ahead of Trump’s call. Diplomacy at work Aoun calls for cease-fire 'as soon as possible' in first...
A first gain for the Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. He secured a cease-fire in Lebanon — albeit a temporary one — after a turbulent day of events.Late on Thursday, after speaking with his Lebanese counterpart, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ten-day cease-fire effective midnight, during which Beirut and Tel Aviv are expected to begin direct talks.The announcement came despite Aoun’s refusal — conveyed to Washington — to speak by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following a U.S.-Israeli proposal to that effect, or rather, the trap that had been set for him.Aoun stood firm, opting instead to maintain contact with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with whom he had what was described as a “very good” exchange ahead of Trump’s call. Diplomacy at work Aoun calls for cease-fire 'as soon as...
