Lebanese President Michel Suleiman
Photo: Reuters
Lebanon 'ready to defend maritime borders'
Beirut's anger with Israel's decision to ratify maritime borders growing as President Suleiman says will defend Lebanon's borders using every 'available and legal' measure
The controversy over Israel's decision to ratify its maritime borders is growing: Lebanese President Michel Suleiman said Monday that his country is ready and has the right to defend its borders and resources using every "available and legal" means.
On Sunday, Israel ratified an agreement with Cyprus regarding its naval territory. The borders delineate an area thought to contain natural gas as well as oil reserves.
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Lebanon rejected the borders set by the two countries, claiming they infringe on its naval territory; and Beirut's Minister of Energy Gebran Bassil warned that Lebanon will not give up its maritime rights.
Lebanon called Israel's proposed maritime boundary between the two nations "an act of aggression," adding it will take the matter up with the UN.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour addressed the conflict Monday, saying that his country relies on the UN to prove its legal rights.
In an interview with al Jazeera Television, Mansour said that "Israel claims that it defined its maritime border based on international law, but it acted in an invalid manner that is an affront to Lebanon."
AP contributed to this report
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