Prime Minister Najib Mikati chaired a cabinet session at the Grand Serail this afternoon, attended by ministers from the caretaker government: Education and Higher Education Judge Abbas Halabi, Media Ziad Makari, Youth and Sports George Kallas, Finance Youssef Khalil, Industry George Bouchkian, Administrative Development Nagla Riachi, Communications Johnny Qarm, Interior and Municipalities Judge Bassam Mawlawi, Tourism Walid Nassar, Health Firas Al-Abed, Culture Judge Mohammed Wissam Al-Mortada, Environment Nasser Yassin, Agriculture Abbas Al-Hajj Hassan, Public Works and Transport Ali Hamieh, Economy and Trade Amin Salam, and Displaced Persons Issam Sharafeddine. Also attending were Director General of the Presidency Dr. Antoine Chaqir and Secretary General of the Cabinet Judge Mahmoud Makiyeh.
At the end of the session, Makari spoke, saying: "The President opened the session by saying: Despite all the destructive assaults our people in the south have endured for more than 200 days due to the Israeli aggression, and the rising number of martyrs and casualties, and the burning of crops and environmental massacres, the savagery of killing continues to grow, as if we have become an open arena for aggression. We highly appreciate the efforts made by Lebanon's friends from international leaders and institutions to find solutions to the Lebanese situation." He added: "As a government, we continue to work with faith and determination, away from the luxury of power and political bidding, to expedite the election of a President of the Republic. We affirm that fulfilling our national and constitutional duties in these exceptional and difficult circumstances, where citizens are in dire need of securing essential services, especially health and security, is a national and moral responsibility that we will not neglect."
He further stated: "We highly value every movement and effort to bridge perspectives, establish trust relationships, and initiate dialogue between political forces, and we hope for the success of every noble initiative. I thank the ambassadors of the Quintet for their efforts and love for Lebanon, but we all must be at the level of love for this homeland."
He also discussed the issue of Syrian refugees, noting that there is momentum to address this issue in a manner that respects human rights. He emphasized that the goal is not to endanger anyone, but to protect our country and implement the laws applicable to all residents of Lebanese territory. "Anyone who meets the conditions for residency in Lebanon will be granted facilities with due diligence. There is cooperation with international institutions in this regard and cooperation with Syria as required by applicable laws."
Makari warned against the danger of continuously releasing descriptions and warnings to obstruct the voluntary return of refugees and the repatriation of sentenced and illegal refugees to Syria under the pretext of the absence of safe areas. He questioned the international community about the risks of turning Lebanon into safe areas for refugees and unsafe for Lebanese citizens, stating that this is rejected by all Lebanese people from a national standpoint to preserve the national entity's independence.
He mentioned: "I visited Paris and met with President Emmanuel Macron, where we discussed the situation in the south, the refugees' file, presidential elections, and assistance to the army. The atmosphere of the meeting was positive, and there was understanding of what we raised. A conference to support the army will soon be held at the invitation of Italy and France."
Regarding the south, he noted: "A French paper was presented for discussion, and Lebanon has responded to it, and the essence of the response is that we do not want any issue raised outside the framework of implementing Resolution 1701, and Lebanon is ready to implement it. Currently, we are working on reviewing the French paper, which will soon be delivered to Lebanon for our consideration, hoping that things will proceed positively toward establishing security and safety, which is what we desire."
The Minister of Information added: "The Lebanese government adopted the report of the Dutch scientific research organization TNO related to the investigation into the assassination of the martyr journalist and photographer Issam Abdullah, and the Lebanese state and the family of Issam can file a lawsuit and benefit from this investigation, which the Lebanese government will include in the complaint to be submitted to the Security Council."
He continued: "Additionally, the request from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport for the necessary credits to complete the southern coastal highway project from the Ministry of Public Works budget was approved."
When asked about the recommendations made regarding the refugee issue to be elevated to the Cabinet to become decisions, he responded: "These decisions do not need approval from the Council of Ministers; they are made by the ministers."
When questioned about the $7 million assistance for the Lebanese army, which is pending between the Minister of Defense and the army commander, and a letter sent by the army commander regarding it, he replied: "The army commander sent the letter to inform the Cabinet, and we will take more time to study it and find a solution."
When asked whether Minister of Defense would be contacted regarding this matter, he answered: "The Minister of Defense has decided not to participate in Cabinet sessions, and this is his prerogative."
The Minister of Finance, Youssef Khalil, announced after leaving the session that "there is no delay in salaries for public sector employees and military personnel as has been rumored." He stated: "The ministry employees will work tomorrow, Saturday, and if needed, also on Sunday to ensure salaries are provided on time."
