Lebanon was able to restore 530 square kilometers of a maritime zone that it considers it to be within its Exclusive Economic Zone, As Safir newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Lebanon and Israel are bickering over a zone that consists of about 854 square kilometers and suspected energy reserves there could generate billions of dollars.

The United States and the United Nations acknowledged Lebanon’s rights to control the 530 square kilometer disputed area after prolonged diplomatic and political efforts, the daily said.

“We should swiftly kick off the oil exploration process,” Speaker Nabih Berri said in comments published in As Safir.

He noted that the Lebanese should stop quarreling among each other as Israel took advantage and started exploring for oil and gas while Lebanon remains behind in this matter.

On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour pointed out that a report will be referred to Prime Minister Najib Miqati regarding the demarcation of Lebanon’s EEZ... continue reading