The caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati continued his meetings at the Grand Serail as part of reviewing the readiness of Lebanese ministries, administrations, and relevant institutions in case of any emergencies. In this context, he received a delegation from the "Lebanese Importers of Foodstuffs Syndicate" headed by Hani Bahsali, who stated: "We met with Prime Minister Mikati as the Food Importers Syndicate to update him on our situation. We assured him that there is no rush for supplies, and there are goods available for everyone. The Prime Minister confirmed to us the continuation of diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of war. We emphasized to him that, God forbid, if a war occurs, it is crucial that the port does not close or that a blockade is not imposed to avoid impacting logistical movement, as it is of utmost importance for us. Currently, in terms of food supply, we have no issues."
He added, "We also discussed the topic of price increases and the need to prevent price hikes. We are working as a syndicate and traders to distribute our goods across all Lebanese regions to ensure they are available in case of war, God forbid." Responding to a question, he noted: "The situation is unstable, which has affected tourism; however, despite this, Lebanese people remain optimistic and some are still coming, albeit in small numbers, and we hope to continue the season this summer."
President Mikati also welcomed the Chairman of the Defense, Interior, and Municipalities Committee, MP Jihad Al-Samad, who said after the meeting: "We were honored to meet with President Mikati, who informed me of the preparations that the government is undertaking to face challenges in the open confrontation with the Israeli enemy. I have complete confidence in what the Prime Minister and the government are doing to address these political challenges, as well as in the resistance's actions to confront the Israeli aggression. There is no doubt that the situation is sensitive and critical, and the aggression must stop; the only way to do this is to have a ceasefire in Gaza. Outside of this matter, the confrontation is ongoing with the Zionist enemy, and may the outcomes be in the interest of Lebanon, the Arab nation, and the resistance and defiance axis."
He added, "We also touched on several issues concerning the Denia region and the North, and we appreciate all the positive steps being taken and wish him success with these stances, which confirm that he is indeed a man of the moment, bearing responsibility and confronting as needed."
President Mikati also met with MP Razi Al-Hajj, who said after the meeting: "We discussed the general situation, and undoubtedly, President Mikati is making significant diplomatic efforts to spare Lebanon from a war that was not officially or Lebanese in decision. This is a position that I confirmed to him. We are going through a critical phase and we continually call for the government to regain its role and decision in foreign and defense policy. There is certainly an urgent need to elect a president for the republic, which will restore the regular functioning of constitutional institutions."
He added, "I also discussed with him developmental issues concerning the Metn district, particularly the completion of the Metn Rapid Link project and the Aytchana - Ain Alaq connection. He informed me that this connection will be implemented in two phases, the first of which will be covered by the Saudi grant to Lebanon, while the second phase will be completed later. We have been following this file with him for over two years. Financial constraints were the obstacle to completing this file, and there is a study at the Council for Development and Reconstruction and the High Relief Commission to complete this matter. We assure the residents of Metn that the first phase will be implemented soon. I also raised the subject of compensation for citizens whose shops were burned during the recent protests in the Aoukar area, and we are following up on this matter, and he promised me good news regarding it."
Additionally, President Mikati met with Tourism Minister Walid Nassar to discuss the current situation and possible measures by the ministries to withstand the difficult reality facing Lebanon. They also addressed several issues on the Council of Ministers' agenda and ways to approach them. He also met with the Director General of Internal Security Forces, Major General Imad Osman, to discuss the overall developments and security situation in the country. He also met with former MP Sami Fatfat.
