Minister of Information in the caretaker government, Ziad Makari, received several ambassadors from Latin American countries, including those from Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, and Colombia, in his office at the ministry. The director general of the Ministry of Information, Hassan Falha, was also present.
The ambassadors approached Minister Makari with inquiries about the preparations and measures the Lebanese government is taking in case the conflict escalates and Lebanon enters the war, as well as regarding the conditions of their communities residing in Lebanon and ways to ensure the safety of both Lebanese citizens and these communities.
Minister Makari clarified that "the meeting with the ambassadors addressed the situation of 50,000 citizens holding Latin American nationalities living in Lebanon. These ambassadors are concerned about the safety of their communities and the situation in Lebanon, just as we are."
He stated, "We explained to them the emergency plan that the government is studying daily, and the Ministry of Information is preparing daily bulletins on what is happening in the country, particularly in the south, accompanied by movements of citizens." He emphasized that it is "the right of the ambassadors to be informed about this plan since they are responsible for their citizens in Lebanon should matters head toward war, and this is one of our duties as the Lebanese government towards the communities of those countries."
Makari clarified to the ambassadors that "the Lebanese do not want war," reaffirming what President Najib Mikati said about "the decision of peace and war; the decision for peace lies with the government, while the decision for war lies with Israel."
He concluded, "Coordination with the ambassadors will continue on a daily and weekly basis, and the government will play its role as a direct responsibility towards the citizens of those countries."
