Israel, Lebanon hold first diplomatic talks in 30 yrs

Rare dialogue |US-hosted negotiations in Washington seek framework to resolve conflict; Hezbollah labels move futile

BEIRUT/TEL AVIV 

Lebanon and Israel are holding their first direct diplomatic talks in more than 30 years on Tuesday. The talks are aimed at preparing negotiations to resolve Israel's conflict with the Lebanese militia Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

The meeting, to be held at the State Department in Washington between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States, is rare. While no major breakthrough is expected, an official briefed on Israel's strategy described the talks as "preparatory" and meant to lay out a framework for future negotiations.

These talks come after six weeks of fighting in Lebanon, where more than 2,000 people have been killed by Israeli strikes, according to Lebanese health officials. Hezbollah has also fired at Israel, killing at least 12 soldiers and two civilians. 

Won't abide by any agreement, says Hezbollah

Beirut: The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah will not abide by any agreements that may result from the direct Lebanon-Israel talks in the United States, negotiations it firmly opposes, a senior Hezbollah official said Monday.

Wafiq Safa, a high-ranking member of Hezbollah's political council, spoke on the eve of the talks expected in Washington between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the US.