Mikati condemns Israeli aggression in South Lebanon, calls for international intervention

NNA – Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Friday began the cabinet session with a strong condemnation of ongoing Israeli attacks on South Lebanon. He emphasized that these deliberate killings, destruction of towns, and burning of crops are not only condemnable, but also constitute a destructive and terrorist aggression that the international community must halt. Mikati reiterated Lebanon's commitment to fully implementing UN Resolution 1701.

The PM then expressed gratitude to friendly nations for their efforts to halt Israeli aggression and welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2732, which outlines a roadmap to cease the fighting in Gaza. He urged for its swift implementation to prevent a broader regional conflict.

This week, Mikati attended the "Emergency Humanitarian Response in Gaza" conference in Jordan, where Lebanon's presence and stance were reinforced. He emphasized the need for continued support for Lebanon and pressure on Israel. The conference laid the groundwork for another event to launch a support campaign for Gaza and affected areas.

Mikati further highlighted the prolonged vacancy in Lebanon's presidency, urging all parties to engage in dialogue to elect a new president and restore stability to the country's institutions. He welcomed and appreciated all initiatives towards this goal.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the Internal Security Forces on their anniversary, thanking the UAE for its support and commending Qatar for its continuous efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Lebanese Army.

He celebrated the recognition of the Lebanese University by QS Rankings for 2025 as the top institution in Lebanon for its professional and academic reputation.

Mikati went on to address the proposal from the Ministry of Economy and Trade regarding Qatar Electricity's offer. He detailed the steps taken to negotiate the development of 100 MW of solar power in two locations, highlighting the need for legal and contractual clarity. He noted that TotalEnergies had withdrawn from acquiring existing licenses and emphasized the necessity of a legal framework for a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement.

Looking ahead to the summer tourism season, Mikati praised the efforts of the Minister of Tourism and expressed hope for a successful season that would bolster Lebanon's status on the global tourism map, welcoming both Lebanese expatriates and Arab visitors.

Mikati concluded by reaffirming his respect for the judiciary amid recent political debates, clarifying the government's position on legal matters related to old rent laws and teachers. He extended his best wishes to all the Lebanese for a peaceful and blessed Eid al-Adha.

Mikati at “Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza” conference in Jordan: Our south and its people are in a real catastrophe

NNA - Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Tuesday delivered a word at the  ‘Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza’ Conference, held at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center in the Dead Sea, Jordan, saying, “We are meeting today to support the people of Gaza in the face of the Israeli aggression. I am coming today from a homeland that is suffering the repercussions of this war on its land, including killing, displacement and destruction."

“The approach of destruction followed by Israel is unprecedented in history, and we experience it daily in Lebanon on the land of our precious south, which has been drenched with the blood of the martyrs and the wounded and has become a land scorched by the lava of crimality, as a repercussion  to the destructive plan in Gaza and a continuation of it,” Premier Mikati said.

“From this platform, we call on the countries of the world to intervene with all force to stop what is happening after 75 years of ignoring the rights of the Palestinians, in the hope that Security Council Resolution No. 2735 that was issued yesterday, which we welcome in the name of the Lebanese state, will be the first step, even if modest, towards stability, in order to reach the desired peace through the Palestinians gaining their right to their independent state. All else are mere projects that will not succeed, and cannot be imposed by the force of reality or the reality of force,” Mikati added.

“Lebanon is accustomed to feeling the Arab pain and carrying the issues of the Arabs because they are its people and family and it has paid a heavy price in terms of the lives of its people and its infrastructure. Today, Lebanon is ready to provide relief to the injured in Gaza, especially children, in its hospitals and to support them as an expression of its solidarity with them, in addition to helping to equip and rehabilitate medical cadres to compensate for Israel’s killing of hundreds of health sector workers.”

“We are also ready to cooperate with the Palestinian Authority to complete the necessary administrative arrangements to facilitate the crossing of the wounded for treatment and then return safely to their country quickly.”

Mikati continued: “You, beloved ones, can imagine the extent of the damage occurring in Lebanon as a result of the ongoing aggression since the eighth of last October. The damage is enormous in educational facilities, health, developmental and agricultural facilities, as well as in livestock and agricultural wealth.”

The PM concluded: “Our south and its people, are in a real and indescribable catastrophe, and the ongoing aggression is continuing to systematically kill, destroy and burn, turning southern Lebanon into a barren and scorched land. Therefore, I am presenting this matter to you so that you can be, as you have always been, standing by your second country, Lebanon, and I am confident that you will not fall short in that... of stretching a helping hand and assisting and repairing the damage, and helping and supporting people in reconstruction and steadfastness... because the symbolic Lebanon will remain an important country for you, no matter how severe the crises are.”

Mikati from parliament: EU aid to Lebanon unconditional

NNA - Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati explained Wednesday to the parliament that the fresh aid package offered to Lebanon by the European Union is unconditioned, and that no agreement has been signed in that respect.

"I confirm that the aid is not conditioned by any prior or subsequent condition, and no agreement has been inked with the European Union regarding it," Mikati told a parliament session devoted to discussing the aid and the displaced Syrians' file.

Mikati stressed the necessity of full accord between the Lebanese to resolve the Syria displacement issue.

"The European aid announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the presence of the Cypriot President is a confirmation of the periodic aid the European Commission has been providing to Lebanon for years," Mikati said.

"This European support is devoted to the basic services offered by the Commission to the governmental institutions in the fields of social protection, education, water and healthcare," he explained.

"The President of the European Commission has promised a re-evaluation of this aid every six months in light of Lebanon's need. She also promised doubled amounts and European investments in Lebanon once the required reform laws are approved," he added.

"We insisted that this aid be aimed at encouraging the Syrian displaced to return to their country and not to stay in Lebanon," he said.

"The government has never failed to make the suitable decision regarding the displaced file, and the army and security apparatuses are assuming their duties to curb the unjustified displacement which is threatening the independence of our entity," he underlined.

"What is needed today is a unified national position away from outbidding and accusations," he concluded.

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Mikati addresses key local issues with Grand Serail visitors
Wednesday, Jun 19, 2024

NNA – Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Wednesday chaired a meeting at the Grand Serail to discuss Syrian refugee affairs in Lebanon. Attendees included Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Acting General Security Chief Major General Elias Baisari, UN Resident Coordinator Imran Riza, and UNHCR Representative Ivo Freijsen.

The meeting reviewed the plan developed by the General Directorate of Lebanon’s General Security to address the refugee issue in line with Lebanese regulations, international laws, and the 2003 Memorandum of Understanding between the General Security Directorate and the UNHCR’s Regional Office.

Following the meeting, Baisari stated, "We have again requested that the UNHCR provide us with complete data, under the threat of implementing 'Plan B,' which is ready and involves obtaining the data ourselves."

Prime Minister Mikati also received Qatari Ambassador to Lebanon, Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Faisal Al Thani, with whom he discussed political developments and bilateral relations.

Mikati also met with Norwegian Ambassador Martin Yttervik, who paid him a farewell visit.

The Prime Minister separately met with a delegation from the Parliamentary Economic Committee led by MP Farid Boustani, including MPs Waddah Sadek, Nasser Haidar, Amin Sherri, Razi Al-Hajj, and Nicolas Sehnaoui.

In the wake of the meeting, Boustani reported, "We’ve discussed several issues, particularly smuggling and customs. We received numerous reports from customs officials and conveyed their concerns to the Prime Minister. We decided to form a joint committee comprising the Economic Committee, customs representatives, and a representative from the Prime Minister's office. This committee will evaluate the situation and deliver recommendations. If we aim to maintain a free economy and competition, we must close illegal crossings. There was a strong emphasis on the importance of scanners, which are crucial for both import and export. We have faced issues with Gulf countries due to malfunctioning scanners, and this problem persists. The Prime Minister promised funding to support the purchase of scanners to resolve this matter."

Boustani also noted that discussions with the PM touched on the 'Nafaa' file. “We’ve established five principles to present to the Prime Minister, aiming for swift implementation. It's crucial for civilian employees, cleared of charges, to return due to their technical expertise, which security personnel lack. State revenue is essential, especially with the Parliament's approved fee increases. Funds must be legally managed, avoiding bribes. A fact-finding committee is investigating 'Inkript' and 'Nafaa' management. Operations in Saida and Zahle are smooth, but Dekwaneh's 'Nafaa' requires military management. Additionally, we discussed airport conditions, stressing its importance for tourism. The Economic Committee's first seminar in Deir El Qamar will develop a comprehensive economic vision,” Boustani explained.

Prime Minister Mikati also met with Fadi Alameh, Chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee.

"We discussed the situation in southern Lebanon and reports on damages from Israeli attacks. We also followed up on grants for refugees from confrontation villages in the south. Additionally, we addressed the issue of biometric passports for Lebanese expatriates, essential for their return during the summer season, as we received numerous complaints. Prime Minister Mikati assured that he would discuss the matter with Acting General Security Chief Major General Elias Bayssari to facilitate this process,” Alameh said on emerging.

Mikati also received President of the Association of Banks in Lebanon, Dr. Salim Sfeir, accompanied by the Chairman and General Manager of the Housing Bank, Antoine Habib. They reviewed the general developments in the country, particularly economic, banking, and financial conditions.

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