A United Nations ship is pictured in the southernmost area of Naqura, by the border with Israel, on Oct 14, 2020. Lebanon and Israel, still technically at war, are holding talks sponsored by the United Nations and the United States to settle a maritime border dispute and clear the way for oil and gas exploration. (MAHMOUD ZAYYAT / AFP)

BEIRUT - Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Monday called on the United States to activate its mediation in the indirect border demarcation negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.

"It is not acceptable to delay the process of demarcating the southern maritime borders," Aoun was quoted as saying in a statement released by Lebanon's Presidency.

Lebanon and Israel are embroiled in a maritime border dispute that has intensified after Israel sent a vessel operated by Energean, a London-based oil and gas production company, to the Karish field on June 5

Aoun stressed the need to activate the American mediation carried out by US Energy Envoy Amos Hochstein to reach a quick conclusion, which he believed would "enable Lebanon to benefit from oil and gas in its water while maintaining stability on its borders."

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Aoun made the remarks during his meeting with President and CEO of the American Task Force on Lebanon Edward Gabriel to discuss the latest political and economic affairs in the country.

Lebanon and Israel are embroiled in a maritime border dispute that has intensified after Israel sent a vessel operated by Energean, a London-based oil and gas production company, to the Karish field on June 5.

Lebanese authorities are currently seeking to revive indirect talks with Israel on maritime border demarcation, which were halted after Lebanon expanded its claim in territorial waters to include at least a part of the Karish oil field.

READ MORE: Lebanon, Israel hold talks on disputed maritime border