Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Joud revealed an American effort to extend the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, while President Joseph Aoun confirmed that “the bilateral negotiations will be undertaken by Lebanon through a delegation headed by Ambassador Simon Karam, and no one from Lebanon will participate in this mission or take his place.” The US Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, visited Aoun and Berri, shortly after his return to Beirut for the first time since the announcement of the 10-day temporary truce, without making any media statements. But Berri spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat about an effort by Washington to extend the ceasefire, refusing to disclose his position on the direct negotiation process with Israel that the President of the Republic is planning. Aoun said in statements distributed by the Lebanese Presidency’s Information Office that “the negotiation option aims to stop hostilities, end the Israeli occupation of southern regions, and deploy the army to the internationally recognized southern border.” President Aoun added: “The upcoming negotiations are separate from any other negotiations. Because Lebanon has two options: either to continue the war with its humanitarian, social, economic and sovereign repercussions, or to negotiate to put an end to this war and achieve sustainable stability. I chose to negotiate, and I am hopeful that we will be able to save Lebanon.