[Israel-Lebanon-U.S. Trilateral Talks Conclude, Israel and Lebanon Agree to Initiate Direct Negotiations] Golden Finance reported that on April 15, the U.S. State Department issued a statement following the conclusion of trilateral talks in Washington involving Israel, Lebanon, and the United States. The statement noted that the talks were chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Rubio. The parties engaged in "productive" discussions on measures to promote the initiation of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. The U.S. emphasized in the statement that any ceasefire agreement must be reached by the governments of both countries under U.S. mediation. The U.S. also pointed out that the negotiations are expected to facilitate Lebanon's reconstruction and economic recovery, while expanding regional investment opportunities. The Israeli side expressed support for the dismantling of all non-state armed forces within Lebanon and the removal of related "terrorist infrastructure," committing to resolving disputes through direct negotiations to achieve lasting peace and regional stability. The Lebanese side reiterated the need for full implementation of the November 2024 ceasefire statement, emphasizing national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called for concrete measures to alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing conflicts. All parties agreed to formally initiate direct negotiations at a time and place to be determined by Israel and Lebanon. (CCTV News)