Former Lebanese PM blames 'both Israel and Hezbollah' for stalling negotiations

Former Lebanese PM blames 'both Israel and Hezbollah' for stalling negotiations Former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said Lebanon was “forced to enter negotiations with Israel” because of the situation created by Hezbollah, while criticising both sides for delaying progress. “Both Israel and Hezbollah are stalling and banking on the factor of time,” Siniora told Al Jazeera, arguing that there was a “convergence of interests” between the two sides as each used the other as a pretext. He also criticised the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement, saying the absence of provisions requiring an Israeli withdrawal was “unacceptable”. Siniora said Lebanon must be allowed to negotiate on its own terms and stressed the need for an experienced negotiating team. “We are engaging in negotiations with a mischievous and fierce enemy, and we must not send anyone without experience,” he said.