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 He noted that TotalEnergies had withdrawn from acquiring existing licenses and emphasized the necessity of a legal framework for a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement.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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PM Mikati’s Speech at International Conference on Lebanon in Paris
Thursday, Oct 24, 2024

Monsieur le Président Macron,

Mesdames et Messieurs les Chefs d’Etat et de gouvernement

Excellences,

Mesdames, Messieurs,

​Je commence en français car c’est une langue du cœur.

Et le cœur de la France, nous le sentons ici - bat à l’unisson de celui du Liban.

En ces temps terribles, notre premier devoir, en tant que dirigeants, est de remettre les valeurs humanistes de fraternité, de justice et de droit au centre de notre action.

C’est pourquoi, je tiens, avant tout, Monsieur le Président, à vous remercier d’avoir organisé cette conférence. Je tiens à vous remercier de toutes les initiatives que vous avez menées personnellement pour soutenir mon pays. Nous vous en sommes très reconnaissants.

Au cours d’une histoire qui s’étend sur plusieurs millénaires, le navire Liban a affronté bien des tempêtes. Bien des fois, il a failli sombrer pour finalement poursuivre sa course avec détermination et courage. Et pourtant, cette tempête-ci n’est pas comme les autres, car elle porte en germe la destruction totale, non seulement de mon pays, mais aussi des valeurs de l’humanité toute entière.

C’est la raison pour laquelle nous sommes reconnaissants à la France, qui s’est toujours tenue à nos côtés, la France dont le soutien ne s’est jamais démenti et cette conférence est le témoignage de l’amitié et de la solidarité qui régissent les relations entre nos deux pays.

Mr. President,

Distinguished Guests,

I come before you today with a heavy heart to shed light on the ongoing aggression by Israel on Lebanon, an act that has led to the displacement of over 1.2 million Lebanese citizens of which 500,000 are children that lost their homes, and schools. The devastating impact of this war on our nation cannot be overstated, as it has left a trail of destruction and misery in its wake.

The aggression by Israel has not only caused immense human suffering and loss of life but has also inflicted severe damage to our infrastructure, economy, and social fabric. The displacement of such a large number of our citizens has created a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions, one that demands urgent attention and action from the global community.

The indiscriminate and targeted attacks on healthcare workers and first responders, with more than 150 killed, and the disabling of over 13 hospitals and more than 100 healthcare centers constitute clear violations of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Conventions, as reported by UN agencies, including WHO. The international community must act urgently to hold those responsible accountable and ensure the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure.

To mitigate these challenges, international support must extend beyond immediate humanitarian assistance and focus on comprehensive medium- to long-term recovery efforts. This approach should aim to rebuild critical infrastructure, restore economic and social stability, and support sustainable development, ensuring Lebanon’s resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.

Mr. President,

Distinguished participants,

What we as Lebanese expect from the international community is the following :

  • Solidarity and ceasefire: Lebanon calls on the international community to come together and support efforts that will end the ongoing aggressions and enforce an immediate ceasefire.
  • Humanitarian Aid and Social Support: The war has destabilized living conditions, increasing the need for humanitarian aid. International financial aid is required to provide basic services such as food, healthcare, shelter, and education.
  • Need to prioritize stabilization of key institutions: particular priorities include providing support to local authorities in effectively managing the high influx of displaced persons and ensuring their access to essential service such as waste, energy and water.
  • Early Recovery and Infrastructure: The current Israeli aggressions has caused further destruction to roads, schools, hospitals, cultural heritage landmarks and other critical infrastructure. International financing is needed for large-scale reconstruction projects, including rebuilding the transport system, power grids, water facilities, removal of rubbles for reconstruction and telecommunications infrastructure.


Mr. President,

Distinguished participants,

I am would like to inform you that we have conducted a comprehensive needs assessment and have consolidated the findings into a detailed table that will be shared with all participants.

Transparency and accountability are paramount in our efforts to rebuild and recover, we will work in direct coordination with international organizations such as the UN, World Bank, and others to ensure that aid is coordinated effectively and utilized efficiently to reach those in need. Your support is crucial in our mission to rebuild and restore hope in Lebanon.

Mr. President,

Distinguished participants,

The loss of Lebanese civilian lives and destruction could have been avoided if Israel had agreed to endorse the joint statement issued on September 25, which was led by the US and France. In this vein, the Lebanese Government supported and still supports this initiative, and we call today for an immediate ceasefire!

The Lebanese government trusts that a ceasefire will have an immediate impact of calming tensions on the Southern Lebanese front and could pave the way for a sustainable long-term stability.

It will open the door for a diplomatic track that the government will fully support. This track is meant to address security concerns along the southern border as well as disputes along the blue line through the full implementation of UNSCR 1701.

UNSCR 1701 remains the cornerstone for stability and security in south Lebanon. The full implementation of 1701 from both Lebanon and Israel will safeguard Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and provide a security on our southern borders that can allow displaced communities to return to their regions.

The commitment of the Lebanese government to initiate the recruitment process of additional Lebanese soldiers in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 demonstrates a clear dedication to the implementation of this resolution. The decision to recruit more soldiers is a significant step towards enhancing the capacity of the Lebanese armed forces to maintain security and stability in the region. However, the successful implementation of this commitment will require the support and assistance of the international community. This assistance can come in various forms, including financial support, training, and technical assistance to ensure that the recruitment process is carried out effectively and efficiently.

The Lebanese government has consistently shown strong support for the UNIFIL mandate, recognizing its crucial role in maintaining stability along the southern borders. The government of Lebanon condemns Israeli attacks on UNIFIL and emphasize the importance of international support for UNIFIL's mandate and calls upon the global community to contribute to this vital effort. The Lebanese government reaffirms its commitment to working closely with UNIFIL to ensure the security and stability of the region.

Mr. President,

Distinguished participants,

The sequence of the stability equation is an:

  1. 1. Immediate ceasefire

  1. 2. Full Implementation of UNSC1701

  1. 3. Deployment of 8,000 LAF soldiers south of the Litani

  1. 4. Resume the diplomatic efforts to address disputes along the blue line reach a deal that can secure long and sustainable stability in South Lebanon.

 

The understanding on the Maritime borders stands as a testament to Lebanon's commitment to peaceful negotiations and conflict resolution. These maritime understandings not only resolved longstanding disputes but also showcased Lebanon's willingness to engage constructively with honest facilitators. In the coming period, and after a ceasefire is achieved, the Government of Lebanon stands ready to engage again and to play its role in avoiding further escalation, while ensuring the safety and security of its citizens, Lebanon’s sovereignty and the integrity of its territory.

Mr. President,

Distinguished participants,

The cornerstone of internal stability in Lebanon remains in electing a president who upholds the constitution, enforces the National Pact and the Taif Agreement, and backs a new government to implement essential reforms.

I call upon you all to remain engaged in diplomatic discussions that can support and can contribute to a brighter future for Lebanon during this critical.

The Lebanese state needs a fundamental rebuilding of its economy and institutions and the empowerment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). This rebuild should focus on nation-building, citizenship, conflict prevention, reform, and Lebanon’s national interest. Learning from past failures like wars, and financial collapses, we must avoid missed opportunities and human suffering. A new path must be charted, solid and sustainable, centered on the Lebanese people. Together, we must plan for national recovery, reconciliation, and resurgence to secure a brighter future for Lebanon.

Mr. President, what Lebanon needs the most today before tomorrow is an immediate ceasefire!

We count on you and the friends of Lebanon present here to make all pressure needed to make a ceasefire happen!

Thank you for your attention and your support.

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