Israel refuses to open talks with Lebanon over Shaba Farms

Israel has refused a recommendation by a United Nations ambassador to begin negotiations with Lebanon over the disputed Shaba Farms area. According to the envoy, Geir Pedersen, the United Nations is becoming increasingly convinced that Shaba Farms belongs to Lebanon.

During a meeting recently with Amos Gilad, the head of the Political-Military Bureau at the Defense Ministry, Pedersen said that "the UN believes that there is merit in the Lebanese claims of sovereignty over Shaba Farms."

he Norwegian diplomat stressed it would be beneficial if Israel initiated negotiations over this issue. During the coming weeks the UN Security Council is expected to receive another report on the implementation of its Resolution 1701, which brought the Second Lebanon War to an end.

Pedersen authored the first report, which made no mention of Shaba Farms following intense Israeli pressure. More