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 He noted that TotalEnergies had withdrawn from acquiring existing licenses and emphasized the necessity of a legal framework for a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement.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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Cabinet approves adopting magnetic card and mega center in year 2026
Thursday, Mar 10, 2022

NNA - The Cabinet convened this afternoon at Baabda Palace, in a session headed by President, General Michel Aoun.

The Cabinet approved a draft law aimed at amending the Parliamentary Elections Law in a way that allows the adoption of the magnetic card and the mechanism of major polling stations in the upcoming parliamentary elections of 2026.

The Council of Ministers also appointed Brigadier General, Hassan Choucair and reappointed of Major General Antoine Saliba as Director General of State Security, after accepting his resignation.

President Michel Aoun asserted that parliamentary elections should take place on date, regardless of positions related to the issue of Mega center, and that each party bears responsibility for its position.

For his part, Premier Mikati informed the Cabinet of appointing Ziad Makari as Information Minister.

The session was preceded by a meeting between the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, during which agenda topics were discussed.

Statement:

After the session, Minister Al-Halaby read the Cabinet statement:

“The Cabinet convened in its weekly session headed by the President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, and attended by Prime Minister Najib Mikati and ministers except the Foreign Affairs Minister and the Labor Minister.

His Excellency the President asserted that the parliamentary elections should take place on their scheduled date, regardless of the positions related on the mega center issue, and emphasized that each party bears responsibility for its position.

His Excellency also indicated that he is with holding the elections and the adoption of the MegaCenter because it eases the burdens on citizens in light of the difficult economic and financial conditions and increases voter participation rate.

Then, the Prime Minister informed the Cabinet of the appointment of Mr. Ziad Makari as Information Minister, then proceeded to study theagenda items and took the appropriate decisions, including:

1- Approving the recommendations submitted by the Ministerial Committee on the subject of the building of wheat blocks which are in danger of falling in the port of Beirut, and assigning the committee to develop a practical vision for its implementation.

2- Approving a draft law to amend the Parliamentary Elections Law in a way that allows the adoption of magnetic cards and ... major polling stations in the upcoming parliamentary elections for the year 2026.

3- Taking note of the decision of the InteriorMinister to abolish polling stations for the Lebanese in the state of Ukraine.

4- Appointing Brigadier General Hassan Choucairas assistant director of State Security.

5- Accepting the resignation of the Director General of State Security, Major General TonySaliba, and referring him to retirement, whileappointing him as Director General of State Security.

6- Approving the request of the Industry Ministrynot to allow the export of foodstuffs manufactured in Lebanon except on the basis of the aforementioned ministry’s export permit.

7- Accepting a financial grant of 50 million Euros from the Federal Republic of Germany within the framework of an agreement.... for educational programs, water and sanitation and the World Health Organization to confront Corona pandemic.

Questions & Answers:

Minister Halaby was asked about appointments in the State Security Service, where he said that Brigadier General Hassan Choucair was appointed as Deputy Director General of State Security, and Major General Tony Saliba as Director General after he submitted his resignation, and was reappointed in his civilian title.

Question: How did the Mega centre item fall out? And why did you recommend adopting it in 2026?

Answer: “There was fear that the adoption of the Mega Center might delay the holding of the electoral process, and there was confirmation from His Excellency the President, the Prime Minister and the ministers that the elections would be held on the scheduled date on May 15th, so this formula was agreed upon”.

Question: With regard to the item on the displaced Syrians, why did the Minister of Displaced Affairs leave?

Answer: “The minister had asked to discuss the report on activating the return of the displaced Syrians during this session, while the Cabinetdecided to postpone the discussion”.

Question: What was the reason for the discussion that took place between the Ministers of Displaced and Social Affairs?

Answer: “We did not hear any discussion between them”.

Question: What about the full-time file for contractual professors at the Lebanese University?

Answer: “These files have become the subject of great interest and discussion. I can say that during the next two days we will complete these files, and I hope they will be completed next week after we received a promise from the presidents and the Council of Ministers to look into this matter”.

Question: How true is the talk about reducing fines for some companies?

Answer: “The Finance Minister asked to postpone the discussion of these items, as they will be included in the general budget, and the Parliament will decide on them, not the government”.

Question: Have you approved the passport money?

Answer: “It was approved by the Finance and Budget Committee yesterday, and it will be included in the general budget”.

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