Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has renewed his call for the international community to stop "the Israeli attacks and threats against Lebanon in order to pave the way for a solution based on the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701." He stated that "the recent Israeli aggression on the southern suburbs of Beirut has complicated the current situation and heightened fears of ground confrontations that could lead to a full-scale war." He further noted, "I have conveyed these concerns to all responsible officials in countries friendly to Lebanon through the communications and meetings I conduct, which I ensure remain away from the media, as quiet diplomacy is the most effective in such delicate circumstances."
Mikati added, "What I can disclose in this regard is that the series of diplomatic communications and meetings I held yesterday has helped to form the conviction among Lebanon's friends of the necessity to pressure Israel, to prevent the situation from slipping into unpredictable consequences and repercussions. This pressure is ongoing, and we hope it will yield satisfactory results soon."
He pointed out that "the Israeli threats against Lebanon fall within the framework of psychological warfare against the Lebanese people, but it is unfortunate that some contribute to this war by discussing dates for the attacks and justifying their objectives, while everyone knows that the key to the solution lies in cessation of fire and Israeli assaults, in addition to stopping the aggression against the Palestinian people and granting them their legitimate rights."
Mikati confirmed that "our communications are ongoing, and we will spare no effort to halt the aggression and Israeli threats and restore stability to Lebanon. The relevant government agencies are also continuing their field work in various areas to keep pace with all developments. As for the unsolicited criticisms that some enjoy repeating, neither we nor the concerned public will give them any importance, as what is needed at this critical time is to focus on alleviating the suffering and concerns of the Lebanese people, not to exacerbate futile debates."
The Prime Minister held a meeting with Interior and Municipalities Minister Bassam Mawlawi to discuss security conditions. He also chaired a meeting that included the Regional Director for the Middle East at the World Bank, Jean-Christophe Carré, the Chairman of the Board and General Manager of Electricité du Liban, Kamal Hayek, and former Minister and advisors to the Prime Minister, Nicolas Nahas and Samir Dahar. The meeting was dedicated to discussing the topics that will be included on the agenda of the World Bank in its meetings next September, including a project related to the electricity sector in Lebanon. Mikati also met with Major General Tony Khawaji, the Director of Military Intelligence.
