Mikati and Meloni Express Contentment with UN Security Council Decision for Ceasefire in Gaza

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed, during his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Grand Serail, their "contentment with the United Nations Security Council resolution 2728, which calls for a ceasefire in Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan," and both showed "hope that it will be applied and transformed into a sustainable ceasefire." The discussion also touched on Security Council resolutions related to the region and Lebanon, where Mikati reiterated Lebanon's commitment to the full implementation of all international resolutions pertaining to it, particularly Resolution 1701, and emphasized that Israel must fully comply with it and cease its violations of Lebanon's sovereignty by land, sea, and air. He expressed deep sorrow and condemnation for the martyrdom of seven paramedics in southern Lebanon due to Israeli aggression earlier today. The talks also addressed the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and irregular migrants in the Mediterranean region. Both sides agreed on the necessity of international cooperation and coordination between the two countries, and with Europe in general, to mitigate this phenomenon and explore solutions that can help reach a sustainable resolution to the refugee issue. Mikati thanked his Italian counterpart for her country's continuous support for the army and enhancing its capabilities to enable it to perform all its entrusted tasks. He viewed Italy's ongoing contribution to the UNIFIL forces as a confirmation of Italy's commitment to the safety and stability of Lebanon and the preservation of its territorial integrity. The presidents stressed the need to expedite the election of a new president for the republic, which is essential for implementing the required economic reforms and launching economic revival. Mikati and Meloni held discussions at the Grand Serail at the start of Meloni's visit to inspect the Italian battalion operating as part of the peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon. The Italian side was represented by Deputy Italian Minister Giovanni Battista Fazzolari and Italian Ambassador Nicoletta Bombardieri. From the Lebanese side, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Abdallah Bou Habib, as well as advisors to the Prime Minister, former Minister Nicolas Nahas, Ambassador Botros Assaker, and Mr. Ziad Mikati, attended. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived at the VIP terminal at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut at 7 PM, where she was welcomed by Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Italian Ambassador Nicoletta Bombardieri, and Airport Security Chief Brigadier General Fadi Al-Khoury. Mikati is scheduled to accompany Meloni to the Grand Serail for bilateral talks.