Lebanon says it will not allow others to negotiate on its behalf Lebanese foreign minister Youssef Raji discussed negotiations with Israel and the security situation in southern Lebanon during talks in Paris with French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Raji said he hoped ongoing negotiations in Washington would lead to a ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Raji also stressed that Lebanon would not accept any party negotiating on its behalf, in remarks widely interpreted as a reference to Iran, and reiterated that the decision to place all weapons under state authority was final.