Lebanon has shown great optimism regarding the path of maritime border negotiations with Israel after the US Senior Adviser on Global Energy Security Amos Hochstein has conveyed "new ideas" to Lebanese officials.
Negotiations had witnessed a breakthrough but then stumbled into a stalemate before Hochstein returned to the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on Tuesday.
A Lebanese source who was briefed on the content of the meetings held by Hochstein and Lebanese officials said that the atmosphere is "very positive," revealing to Asharq Al-Awsat that Lebanon expects decisive results "within weeks."
Speaking under the conditions of anonymity, the source confirmed that it wouldn't take longer than two months for results to appear.
Hochstein resumed shuttle diplomacy but both the Lebanese and Israeli sides are keeping some of the meeting confidential, the source clarified.
"The clarity of the Lebanese position has begun to bring us closer to our rights," they added, explaining that the current stage is "for exchanging serious, tangible and sensual ideas, but nothing is final yet."
The source affirmed that the Lebanese side had answered the questions carried by Hochstein and that the US adviser will in turn carry some of its questions for answering.
Hochstein had arrived in Beirut after a visit to Israel, where he was discussing the possibility of resuming the negotiations that had been stalled for months between the two countries.
Lebanon had expressed its readiness to examine new proposals presented by Hochstein.
The US pointman met with Lebanon's president, prime minister, army chief and the general director of the General Directorate of General Security. The meetings were attended by the US ambassador to Lebanon, Dorothy Shea.
"Where there is a will there is a way…an agreement on maritime borders could create a much-needed opportunity for prosperity for Lebanon's future," said the US Embassy in Beirut via its Twitter account.
Moreover, the embassy said that Hochstein's meetings with the Lebanese officials were "fruitful."
