Lebanon minister says signs amendment expanding claim over disputed maritime area with Israel

The talks have since stalled.

Lebanon's caretaker public works and transport minister said on Monday he had signed a document expanding Lebanon's claims in its maritime border dispute with Israel.

The amendment to Lebanon's original claim submitted to the United Nations would add around 1,400 square kilometers to its exclusive economic zone.

Negotiations between old foes Lebanon and Israel were launched in October, to try to resolve the dispute about their maritime border that has held up hydrocarbon exploration in the potentially gas-rich area. The talks have since stalled.