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 He noted that TotalEnergies had withdrawn from acquiring existing licenses and emphasized the necessity of a legal framework for a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement.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 cabinet on Israeli aggression, other key issues
Thursday, Apr 04, 2024

NNA – Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Thursday delivered a speech during the cabinet session, focusing on the ongoing Israeli aggression in southern Lebanon.

"Our session today convenes amidst the continuation of the Israeli aggression on southern Lebanon, resulting in casualties, injuries, and extensive damage. We held a meeting today with United Nations organizations and ambassadors of donor countries, discussing extensively the situation in the south and requesting urgent assistance, especially as there are approximately one hundred thousand displaced persons from southern villages, 313 martyrs, and around 1000 injured individuals. The major catastrophe lies in the extensive damage to the agricultural sector, where 800 hectares have been completely affected, along with 340,000 heads of livestock lost, and approximately 75% of farmers losing their primary source of income. I believe it is imperative to declare the southern region a disaster zone, especially since this issue will have long-term repercussions. The same applies to the education sector, with around 75 schools permanently closed, not to mention the reconstruction of what has been destroyed and the priority of seeking sources of funding,” Mikati said.

"We affirm that the true peace we seek is 'the peace of human justice.' We raise our voice to the international community, condemning the aggressions and demanding the restraint of the enemy, the cessation of war, the establishment of peace, and the removal of war from the region. I want to emphasize through the Cabinet that Lebanon has friends in all the countries of the world who are sincerely working to pressure the Israeli enemy to stop its aggression against Lebanon. We also appreciate the contacts and visits carried out by friendly international authorities and Lebanon-loving entities, seeking to contribute to finding solutions to the presidential crisis. We affirm that the election of a president of the republic is a demand of all, and it is among our priorities that enhance confidence in Lebanon as a state and a homeland. It is our collective responsibility to care for our affairs, as much as the concern of other countries for us. Engagement and dialogue are the shortest path to saving our country from the dangers of vacuum and ongoing crises,” Mikati added.

"We were surprised this morning by the signs of a diplomatic crisis with Cyprus, as some Cypriot newspapers attacked Lebanon on the background of the file of refugees arriving in Cyprus illegally through Lebanese waters. Necessary contacts were made with Cypriot authorities, who confirmed their keenness to maintain the best relations with Cyprus, and we do not accept that the refugee crisis is exported to them. I stressed during the contacts that, in the refugee file, we face a reality that the world must understand. Refugees enter Lebanon clandestinely, and no country helps us control the borders. Therefore, if we decide to deport a Syrian to his country, we face a human rights issue. As for maritime borders, we are working to control them to the best of our ability,” the Prime Minister stated.

"Regarding the restructuring of banks, there have been claims that this file has been closed, which is not true. The file is being studied calmly, and when its elements are complete, we will call for a ministerial meeting to discuss it before presenting it to the Cabinet, based on a clear organizational vision adopted by all,” Mikati noted.

"Much has been said about the letter we addressed to the State Security apparatus, and we have provided a copy of it to the Minister of Interior and other security agencies. This issue has been blown out of proportion, and some have started to give incorrect interpretations of what happened. This letter falls within the framework of organizational work and is not an intelligence disclosure targeting any party, leader, or political faction, as some claim. We have heard many complaints about the absence of traffic police from the roads due to their assignment to protection duties, so we decided to address this issue. Our relationship with the Minister is excellent, and there is no dispute with him, and the matter will be executed as we stated, with the suggestions handed over to the Central Security Council to decide what is appropriate,” Mikati added.

“Concerning the security file as well, we must note the significant security work being done by all apparatuses, especially in terms of quickly detecting crimes,” Mikati added.

"On the occasion of the Easter and Eid al-Fitr holidays, we congratulate the Lebanese, both residents and abroad, and we wish all the best for Lebanon, praying for abundant mercy for the martyrs and victims,” the Prime Minister concluded.

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كلمة الرئيس ميقاتي في إفتتاح مصنع تجميع وإنتاج الأجهزة الإلكترونية في الجامعة اللبنانية