Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated that "progress has been made regarding the demarcation of the southern maritime borders, but there are still details that need clarification, and thus the final solution has not yet been achieved." In a conversation from New York with "Al-Monitor" during his participation in the United Nations General Assembly, he was asked about the maritime border demarcation file and the American role. He said, "The American mediation has helped push towards completing the demarcation, but there are still details that need clarification. So far, I can say that progress has been made, but the final solution has not yet been completed." He praised the American mediation in supporting the agreement, stating, "The Biden administration is doing its utmost to ensure the success of these negotiations."
In response to a question, he said, "All Lebanese political parties, including Hezbollah, support the government's decisions and positions in the negotiations." When asked about the chances of holding presidential elections on time, he pointed out that "electing a new president does not constitute a complete solution to the problems we face, but it is a very necessary entitlement and an entry point to resolving many challenges and problems facing Lebanon." He added in response to a question: "If we miss this opportunity, it will be a burden and another problem for Lebanon. Electing a new president, along with a new team, gives the country a fundamental opportunity to carry out the necessary reforms. All laws related to reform are present, but there is an urgent need for good political will to implement them."
Regarding the agreement with the International Monetary Fund, he said: "We hope to sign the final agreement as soon as possible, which will be a kind of credit endorsement to enable other donor countries to support and assist Lebanon." On estimates of Lebanon potentially receiving $12 billion as a result of the agreement, he said: "As soon as the agreement is completed, I am not at all worried that we can easily obtain $12 billion. We have assured donors that on the day we sign the final agreement with the IMF, they can provide double or triple what the IMF offers to finance the public and private sectors in Lebanon."
