Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati reiterated from Tripoli that "the government continues its diplomatic communications both internationally and Arabically to halt the Israeli aggression against Lebanon," noting that "the results of these communications appear to be positive thus far, without overlooking a fundamental issue, which is that one cannot count on any positive stance or guarantee from the Israeli enemy."
In statements made to his visitors in Tripoli today, he said: "Since the first day of the Israeli aggression, the government has formed an emergency committee to monitor the situation in the South and for Southerners, and it continues its work to provide essential assistance to the displaced from their villages, according to available resources. Concurrently, it is pursuing the necessary steps to address the repercussions of the Israeli aggression diplomatically and internationally, especially through the United Nations and its organizations."
In response to a question, he mentioned: "The Israeli aggression and the destruction of homes and facilities in the South continue, and under these circumstances, it is impossible to take any step to assess or determine the damages or their costs. Everything being circulated in this context is untrue, especially since everyone is aware of the limited capabilities of the state, which is barely able to secure basic needs, and is striving hard to ensure the minimum support required for the displaced from the southern villages."
Regarding the debate on the recruitment of customs officers, he stated: "This issue dates back to the previous government, which approved the appointment of successful customs officers based on their ranking in the competition, considering the requirements of national consensus and cohabitation. This led to the exclusion of approximately two hundred successful candidates from the Islamic community, who were replaced by Christian candidates who ranked lower in the competition. Nine of those excluded submitted an appeal to the State Consultative Council, which accepted their plea and annulled the Cabinet's decision."
He added: "When the Ministry of Finance presented the issue to the Cabinet, the Cabinet decided to implement the decision of the State Consultative Council. Due to the ongoing disagreement within the Higher Customs Council regarding the implementation of the appointment decision after one member refused to execute the Cabinet's decision, the matter was duly raised to the Cabinet for resolution."
He continued: "Because I am keen on addressing this issue with consideration for everyone, and for national unity, and to avoid any disagreement at any level within the Cabinet, especially since the matter has sectarian implications, I requested further study while reiterating the previous Cabinet decision. I do not permit the transfer of the dispute that occurred in the Higher Customs Council to the level of the ministers. Nor do I allow this issue to be exploited by any party or political faction with populist rhetoric in pursuit of gains and scoring points."
