The caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, delivered a statement during a Cabinet session, saying: "In the past period, several significant events occurred, notably the Arab Summit held in Bahrain, which expressed everyone's interest in Lebanon. The announcement from Bahrain also confirmed the Lebanese principles we adhere to, and in the bilateral meetings we held, we felt a commitment to support Lebanon." He added: "Our session today convenes one day after the representation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lebanon at the eighth conference to support the future of Syria and the region in Brussels. For the first time, Lebanon presented a clear and specific action plan to organize the file of Syrian refugees in Lebanon. This plan was adopted by the government and supported by the parliamentary council through the recommendations issued, which consist of coordination among various ministries and relevant agencies within specific timeframes."
Mikati pointed out that "during the discussions, the Foreign Minister, with whom I was in constant communication, confirmed Lebanon's request to start an early recovery plan in Syria, separating the issue of refugees from political considerations and establishing safe areas in Syria to begin the return. He communicated with the Arab ministers hosting Syrian refugees in their countries, namely Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and Syria, and an agreement was reached on a unified plan to communicate with the Syrian side and support early recovery in Syria. During the conference, Lebanon emphasized the necessity for support and assistance to encourage Syrians to return to their country."
He continued: "The Minister gave a clear speech during the conference expressing Lebanon's continued cooperation, not confrontation, with the international organizations affiliated with the United Nations. Indeed, an agreement was reached with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on all points raised by Lebanon, the most prominent of which was the provision of all data in the possession of the commission regarding Syrian refugees. In this context, I must highlight the position announced by Cyprus, along with eight European countries, regarding the existence of safe areas in parts of Syria and allowing the return of refugees to them."
He clarified that "regarding our political reality in Lebanon, we are facing political majorities and minorities with differing principles and visions. However, what is surprising is the absence of the voices of the silent majorities who have withdrawn from their role. We do not want to marginalize anyone nor exclude anyone; rather, we call for hearing the voices of every loyal patriot, as we complement each other and enrich ourselves through our diversities. Despite all the objectionable stances taken by some political forces, we understand this and view it from a democratic perspective and the right to express opinions. We always affirm that the solution begins with the election of the President of the Republic and the completion of the constitutional institutions. The political exploitation of crises should not turn into conflicts, while we appreciate positive criticism and the evaluation aimed at building bridges among national components."
He said: "The Israeli enemy continues its aggression against southern Lebanon, inflicting more martyrs and injuries, the latest being yesterday in front of the Bint Jbeil hospital. We condemn this cowardly attack and all the actions perpetrated by the occupation, which will not deter the people of the south from clinging to their land, especially since we recently celebrated the anniversary of liberation from Israeli occupation in the south. Here, we salute everyone who contributed to this historic national achievement. As for the security situation inside the country, it is reassuring, and I must commend the significant efforts made by the army and security forces to maintain order and uncover destructive networks or those that harm public morals through social media."
