Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Monday affirmed that "contacts are ongoing for the resumption of the sessions of the Council of Ministers, especially since the coming period requires holding intensive Cabinet sessions to resolve many files under study and to keep pace with the ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) .”

Premier Mikati stressed during his reception of the French presidential envoy and the Coordinator of International Aid for Lebanon, Ambassador Pierre Duquesne, that "contacts are ongoing to find a solution to the government situation, and that negotiations with the IMF are going well, and results are expected to appear soon. "

The Premier stressed that “calling for a Cabinet session without securing the proper conditions can cause more political tension and further complicate solutions. Thus, we will continue the contacts before taking a decision in this regard.”

Premier Mikati met at the Grand Serail with French Presidential Envoy, Pierre Duquesne, in the presence of French Ambassador to Lebanon Anne Grillo.

After the talks, Duquesne left without making a statement.

On the other hand, Premier Mikati met with the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, who briefed him on the international talks on the crisis in Syria.

Discussions also touched on the displaced Syrians’ dossier.

Moreover, Mikati met with the newly-elected Beirut Bar Association Dean, Nader Gaspard, accompanied by the Bar Association Council members.  

Separately, Mikati met with former minister Walid Daouk and an accompanying delegation, with talks reportedly touching on the current general situation.

The PM also received Internal Security Forces' chief, Major General Imad Othman.