Lebanon’s Aoun tells Rubio ‘comprehensive ceasefire’ essential ahead of talks next week

BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a call Friday that a comprehensive ceasefire must be secured in order for talks with Israel to progress. The State Department, meanwhile, announced the resumption of negotiations in Washington from June 23 to 25. These discussions will provide an opportunity to “make progress toward a lasting peace,” department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a statement. Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s support for Lebanon’s efforts to extend state authority across all its territory, according to a readout of the call.