Maritime borders dispute arises between Lebanon & Israel

PressTV - Maritime borders dispute arises between Lebanon & Israel:

Mon Jul 11, 2011 9:13PM
Ali Rizk, Press TV, Beirut

"This time it is the maritime borders which are the issue of dispute between Lebanon and Israel. The Israeli government ratified what it says are the Israeli maritime borders which entitle it to an exclusive economic zone that includes the entire strategic gas field called the Leviathan. However this differs from the Lebanese version which was recently submitted to the United Nations. According to the Lebanese version of the maritime borders, Lebanon is entitled to part of the Leviathan gas field. The result is a disputed area of around 3,000 square kilometers believed to contain gas and even oil reserves worth billions of dollars. Lebanese officials are saying this matter will top the agenda of the new cabinet headed by Prime Minister Najib Miqati. This government has said that its priority will be to improve the dire economic conditions of the country whose natural debt amounts to around 50 billion dollars. Members of this government say they will take all necessary measures to protect Lebanon's right to its natural resources which could lift the country's economy. Israel for its part has said that it will submit its claim of maritime borders to the United Nations for endorsement. Israeli foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman has said Israel will not give up what belongs to it. Standup:Amid this dispute between Lebanon and Israel what appears to stand out is that Israel had never before specified a border for itself whether it be land or maritime.Only now after the discovery of energy reserves has Israel taken such a step.




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