The caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati confirmed that "we are working on a diplomatic solution for the situation in the south, which may be linked to the cessation of the aggression on Gaza." He emphasized that "it is necessary to revive the truce agreement and implement it, and to restore the situation in the south to what it was before 1967, and to return the Shebaa Farms, which were under Lebanese sovereignty before they were gradually occupied, and to return to the previous withdrawal line according to the truce agreement." He revealed that the U.S. President's advisor Amos Hochstein will visit Beirut this week to discuss all these issues with us.
In a statement to "Al-Hurra" channel, Miqati pointed out that "since October 7, we have been reiterating that we are looking for lasting stability and calling for a permanent peaceful solution, but, on the other hand, we receive warnings through international envoys of destruction and war on Lebanon. The stance I repeat to these envoys is: do you support the idea of destruction? Is what is happening in Gaza acceptable?"
He stated: "We have informed everyone of our readiness to enter into negotiations to achieve a long-term stability process in southern Lebanon and along the northern borders of occupied Palestine, and to commit to international resolutions and the truce agreement and Resolution 1701. When Israel entered Lebanon in 1978, a resolution was issued by the Security Council to restore the implementation of the truce agreement. We are under international legitimacy, and we demand its implementation for all and the execution of agreements and international resolutions. We have gained the confidence of the Parliament on this basis."
Miqati confirmed that "it is necessary to revive the truce agreement and implement it, and to restore the situation in the south to what it was before 1967, and to return the Shebaa Farms, which were under Lebanese sovereignty before they were gradually occupied. It is necessary to return to the previous withdrawal line according to the truce agreement." He explained that "we are working on a diplomatic solution that may be related to the cessation of the aggression on Gaza."
He noted that "the threats we receive indicate that Hezbollah must withdraw to the north of the Litani River, while we stress that this matter is part of the discussions that should include the complete withdrawal of Israel from the occupied territories and the cessation of its assaults on Lebanon and violations of Lebanese sovereignty." He mentioned that "we received an offer to withdraw to the north of the Litani, but we emphasize the comprehensive solution, which includes addressing the issue related to Hezbollah's arms." He reiterated that the U.S. advisor Hochstein will visit Beirut this week, and we will discuss all these matters with him.
He indicated that "the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, spoke about the need to be cautious not to expand the war," emphasizing that "we extend our hands to the international community seeking to establish stability in the region, and if we can achieve Lebanon's rights, then Hezbollah's only objective is the Lebanese interest."
He added that "Resolution 1701 calls for strengthening the role of the army and cooperating with UNIFIL to enable it to fulfill its role. This requires increasing the army’s numbers by about ten thousand personnel and enhancing its capabilities, and we are ready to cooperate provided that the necessary guarantees are in place to prevent continued Israeli violations."
Regarding the cyber breach file at Beirut Airport, he reported that "the investigation into this file has not yet been completed, and there are specialized officers following up on the matter. In light of the recognized global technological warfare, the possibility of a breach is present, but what is important is to uncover all details and return the situation to normal. This file is being monitored by the Minister of Public Works and I am in contact with him." He considered that "any breach does not mean that security is not maintained, as the airport security apparatus is fulfilling its duties in cooperation with all relevant parties."
On the matter of military appointments, he mentioned that "communication is ongoing in this regard, and the issue will be raised to the Cabinet at the appropriate time. Our priority is the appointment of a Chief of Staff, while other appointments will be necessarily linked to the appointments of the Internal Security Forces Command, and we are not in the business of challenging anyone." He stated: "There is a kind of consensus on the proposed name for the Chief of Staff, but it requires consulting with the Army Commander. If the Minister of Defense has a suggestion for a name, he is welcome to present it." He added, "The minister has my full respect, but I regret the way he acted after our last meeting."
Regarding the presidential file, he noted that "there is international movement on the file, but it is overshadowed by the regional situation. If the war remains open, I personally do not believe that the presidential file will advance. There is movement from the Arab and international quintet committee, and I hope for a ceasefire in Gaza so that this file can be activated, leading to the election of a new president to organize constitutional and national life."
