US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa says he is “encouraged” by ongoing Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome, but that both sides “must agree” on a clear process before proceeding, Al Jazeera reports.

Issa adds there is still a lot of technical work to be done and that moving “too quickly” could jeopardise civilian safety.

“There is a meaningful difference between drafting an agreement on paper and implementing it responsibly — moving too quickly risks jeopardising the very civilians this process is meant to protect,” he said.

“We believe it is better to take the time needed to get this right the first time. Doing so will allow subsequent pilot zones to move forward more efficiently.”