Mikati to abide by the Resolution 1701

Najib Mikati, Lebanon’s Prime Minister stressed that there is continuous coordination between the Lebanese Army and the International Working Forces in the South of Lebanon. In addition, he stressed the necessity of the continuous support of Lebanon-friendly countries for the Lebanese Army by equipping it with weapons and gears, in order for them to be able to carry out their missions, especially under the 1701UN Security Council Resolution. Mikati pointed out that “the Lebanese government insists on taking the right measures to enable its International Forces to carry out their missions in helping out the Lebanese Army to keep the peace in the south of Lebanon.” Mikati yet again reminded us of the assaults the International Forces were subjected to, especially by French Battalion. Furthermore, he stressed that those assaults did not only target the International Forces, but that they shook the safety, security and stability of Lebanese people, and those in the South, especially those who hold a close and harmonious relationship with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Mikati explained that the government that promised to which confirmed its commitment to the implementation of resolution 1701 in all its levels, will continue on demanding the UN for putting a stop to the constant Israeli violations affecting the sovereignty of Lebanon, and to implementing the Resolution to the full, in addition to the transition from a no-hostility stage to a the stage of complete ceasefire. This followed Major General Alberto Asarta Head of Mission, Force Commander of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, visit on Tuesday afternoon, to Mikati, where the Head of Coordination Committee with UNIFEL, Major General Abdelrahman Shuhetli, was also present. Their search focused on discussing the situation in the South of Lebanon and the issue of coordination between the International Forces and the Army, in addition to the needs of the Armyto enable it to carry out its missions properly. During the meeting, Asarta expressed his comfort towards the security cooperation between the International Forces and the Lebanese Army. Mikati also hosted, Michael Williams, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, who said: “I had a very good meeting with Prime Minister Mikati, I congratulated him on becoming chair of Lebanon’s Security Council this month, considering it the first time in 50 years that Lebanon chairs the Council. So this is a historical, and I am very pleased that the Lebanese President is visiting New York this month.” He added: “this is going to be a very important month as it will be addressing a number of issues regarding the Security council, and a number of meetings will be held on the issues of the Middle East; because as you know the Palestinian case takes priority out of those issues, but I am certain that Libya and Syria will be discussed as well.” He continued: “PM Mikati and I spoke about the current situation in Lebanon and I stressed the need for preserving the security and stability of Lebanon, especially amidst the dramatic changes taking place in the Arab world, bearing in mind that part of their security is linked to the Security Council Resolution 1701. I am pleased that PM Mikati and his government are strongly committed to keeping this Resolution that’s kept Lebanon stable and especially on the blue Line for over five years now.” As for his confidence in Lebanon’s commitment to the International Tribunal he said: “I praised PM Mikati’s statement two days ago where he endorsed the work of the International Tribunal, and I think that justice is very important on an internal level as has always been recognized by governments; however justice has had an international dimension for over 25 years, and many International tribunals were set up such as the ones in Yugoslavia, Sierra Leone and Cambodia, so I do believe that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon will last for years.” Mikati also hosted the new British Ambassador in Lebanon Tom Fletcher in a Protocol visit for the occasion of his new role. Following the meeting, Fletcher said: “I have had a very good meeting with PM Mikati and his government, they welcomed me into Lebanon and I am thankful and excited for being in Beirut to go ahead with my duties, and to work side by side with the Lebanese people to encourage the peace process and independence in Lebanon, in addition to preventing foreign intervention and encouraging peaceful and harmonious living.” He added: “I spoke to PM Mikati about this mission and we also spoke about the issue of International Security Council’s presidency, which is a big chance for Lebanon to be the President of it on an international level.” He continued: “Additionally, we looked into what Lebanon has done in regards to Libya and its positive role internationally. I am looking forward to working here for the next three or four years and I hope that this is will a strong partnership.” In an interview with American TV channel CNN Mikati said that “people have gotten used to the dialogues, negotiations and interventions that Lebanese political life faces, but we need to take care of civilian’s needs as they need to survive. Statistics show that since we formed this government up to this day, the number of tourists has largely increased and 10% more of tourists reached Lebanon through Middle East Airlines in comparison to last year. The US dollar has become essential in supporting the market and there’s a balance in different foreign currencies. Also the process of issuing treasury bonds recorded a high level of demand, and these are all signs that we are on the right track. As for whether there is a trust crisis that is affecting internal stability he said: “it is present, and I cannot deny that or say that it doesn’t exist. But what it important today is finding a stability factor in the country and finding a trust within the different opinions and ways of expressions; but those differences should remain inside organizations, and inside the government and political parties and not out on the streets.” And on the wealth expected from the oil and gas in all countries of the region today, including Cyprus, which will lead to a shift in its economic situation, and how will he deal with this situation, he said: “we will deal with it the best way we can, that’s why we try to find those economic regions while respecting others’ rights, as long as they respects ours in return.” Regarding his acceptance towards this understanding taking place through the UN and negotiating issues with related parties or agreeing on what some MPs have said o Israel in regards to this issue, he said: “what we are trying to do is to use diplomatic ways in dealing with this and we have to first of all end negotiations with the Cypriot government, and then after continue our duties within our limits.”