Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati discussed on Friday with Caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib the extension of the UNIFIL mandate and was briefed on the results of Bou Habib’s visit to Egypt, as well as a message from Lebanon to ambassadors.
The meeting took place this morning at the Grand Serail. After the meeting, Bou Habib said that the results of his visit to Egypt was its unconditional support for Lebanon and the need to end the war in Lebanon, a matter tied to the conflict in Gaza, of course. “However, our primary concern is peace in Lebanon. We also discussed the extension of UNIFIL’s mandate after receiving the first draft, which we agreed on with minor modifications. We hope the extension will be finalized this month, securing another year for UNIFIL,” he added.
Bou Habib pointed out that they will also send a message to ambassadors outlining the state’s basic principles concerning foreign policy, particularly regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza and southern Lebanon.
“As you know, there is a US-Egyptian-Qatari initiative to hold a meeting on the 15th of this month to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza,” he said.
He stated, as a result of his meeting with the prime minister, that “the Lebanese government supports the joint statement issued by US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,” adding that “it is essential to provide immediate relief to the Palestinian people in Gaza and to the hostages and their families who have endured immense suffering.”
Bou Habib praised the efforts of the three leaders to establish a ‘framework agreement’ and emphasized Lebanon’s support for a ceasefire and the release of hostages as outlined by President Biden and UN Security Council Resolution 2735. He stressed that delays are unacceptable, urging swift action to implement the agreement. Lebanon also plans to support a new initiative to complete the remaining provisions in a way that satisfies all parties involved.
“The Lebanese government joins the call to resume urgent discussions on Thursday, August 15, in Doha or Cairo to finalize the agreement and begin its immediate implementation,” he said.
