Prime Minister Najib Mikati, in his speech on behalf of Lebanon at the Arab Summit in Algeria, emphasized that "Lebanon as you know it has changed... Yes, it has changed. The shining beacon has gone out, the port that was considered the gateway to the East has exploded, and the airport, which was a platform for convergence, has its lights turned off due to a lack of fuel." He stated, "We are in a country suffering economically, socially, and environmentally, and we are fighting epidemics with the least resources. Yes, with the least resources until we reached the bare minimum. We have been facing, for several years, the worst economic and social crisis in our history, which has affected all institutions and placed the majority of Lebanese under the poverty line, leading to the emigration of many young and promising talents, causing the loss of the country's finest sons."
Mikati added: "Lebanon has finally succeeded in reaching an agreement on the demarcation of the southern borders of its exclusive economic zone, and we hope that this will be the beginning of a path leading to the prosperity of Lebanon and the welfare of the Lebanese, as well as agreeing on the election of a new president to unite the Lebanese." In his speech, President Mikati relied on "the support of all Arab brothers for Lebanon." He expressed: "As we recall the Taif Agreement, which established the governance equation in Lebanon, we reaffirm our full commitment to it and our unwillingness to tolerate any attempts to undermine its essence."
Below is the text of the speech delivered by President Mikati at the Arab Summit held in Algeria:
"Mr. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Your Excellencies,
His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Arab League, my brothers. First, I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to Algeria, its leadership and people, for the warm welcome, hospitality, and organization, and for all the efforts made to provide the best conditions for the success of the 'Arab Reconciliation' Summit. While expressing our appreciation and thanks to the sisterly Tunisia during its presidency of the last summit, we wish the sisterly Algeria success in its presidency of the current summit.
I am honored to represent Lebanon with a frank message directed from a brother to his brothers, stemming from a sincere heart for Arabism. I represent Lebanon, the beacon of Arabism, whose universities have embraced Arab leaders since the early last century, and which has been a cradle for the intellectual awakening of Arab nationalism. During these glorious days, I remember Lebanon's sympathy with the Algerian people in their revolution, where the streets were filled with protests, and we considered that victory not only for the Algerian people but also a success for Arab solidarity and Arabism.
With the summit convening, Algeria today triumphs in hosting this summit, on which we place great hopes that it will extend the victory and Arab solidarity. But I must candidly tell you that Lebanon as you know it has changed... Yes, it has changed. The shining beacon has gone out, the port that was considered the gateway to the East has exploded, and the airport, which was a platform for convergence, has its lights turned off due to a lack of fuel.
We are in a country suffering economically, socially, and environmentally, and we are fighting epidemics with the least resources. Yes, with the least resources until we reached bare survival. Lebanon is small in size, but its doors have remained open to all brothers, especially the Arabs, but today we find ourselves unable to continue hosting an Arab demographic that is approaching half of the Lebanese population.
Our infrastructure has become dilapidated, our resources have dwindled, and we suffer from unprecedented inflation. Despite this, we welcome this demographic, but we, my brothers, have turned into a weak body that needs fortification instead of the ongoing disregard. It is no secret, and you are the best observers and interested parties, the exceptional circumstances, in their difficulty and complexity, that Lebanon is experiencing. We have been facing for several years, the worst economic and social crisis in our history, which has affected all institutions and placed the majority of Lebanese under the poverty line, leading to the emigration of many qualified and promising young talents, and the loss of the country’s best sons.
The Lebanese government has found itself facing an unprecedented crisis, compelling us to proceed with great caution to remedy the situation and to establish the appropriate groundwork to help the country reach a safe harbor. Despite these circumstances, we have succeeded in achieving many of the goals we set, among the most prominent of which is holding parliamentary elections on time, signing a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund, and creating an emergency social security system in cooperation with the World Bank and the European Union. We continue to work to advance all necessary legislative and administrative reforms to overcome our current plight.
Lebanon has finally succeeded in reaching an agreement on the demarcation of the southern borders of its exclusive economic zone, and we hope that this will be the beginning of a path leading to the prosperity of Lebanon and the welfare of the Lebanese, along with agreement on electing a new president who can unite the Lebanese. In this context, we must thank our Arab brothers who responded to the call, and we continue to rely on the assistance of all Arab brothers for Lebanon.
As we recall the Taif Agreement, which established the governance equation in Lebanon, we reaffirm our full commitment to it and our unwillingness to tolerate any attempts to undermine its essence.
Your Majesties, Excellencies, and Highnesses, I find no better way to conclude my speech than to earnestly call for solidarity and cooperation, enhancing coordination and deepening it among us, and providing the Arab League with more support to enable it to carry out its role in these historical circumstances. In this context, Lebanon insists on establishing the Arab Legal Center on its territory and has allocated a piece of land for its construction.
At the major junctures threatening geopolitical maps, it requires wisdom that the Arab nation increases its unity so that none of its pillars are neglected, and no aspects remain wounded or distressed. I also affirm Lebanon's commitment to the decisions of the Arab League and support this institution in fulfilling its role during these historical circumstances, and I declare our full solidarity with Arab issues, chief among them the Palestinian cause and the right of the Palestinian people to determine their fate and establish their independent state.
In conclusion, let the Arab hands intertwine to save my country, Lebanon which takes pride in Arabism and loves its brothers. Warm regards to you from Lebanon, this small country that can play a significant role in serving you, if surrounded by great love from you. Do not leave it alone. And peace be upon you."
