Mikati: We Need Your Support, and Returning to Resolution 1701 Is Inevitable

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati chaired a meeting of the Ministerial Crisis Committee at the Grand Serail. After the meeting, he stated: "We discussed the current issues, I informed the attendees about the diplomatic communications since it is the best option, and we hope to reach a ceasefire. We also reviewed the data related to shelter centers, the number of displaced people, and their needs, and the number of displaced could reach around one million."

Mikati emphasized, "We are doing everything we can within our means, and we are grateful foe everyone who has helped and opened their homes, but the number is very large." He added, "The issue of garbage accumulating in some areas needs to be resolved, as does the matter of schools and shelter centers, and we have all decided and agreed that the ministries of education and social affairs will follow up on this matter. We discussed inviting the governors to meet at the Grand Serail with the relevant ministers to address the needs, and we are facilitating the entry of donations on the condition that the donor is identified."

Mikati also urged donor countries to "help us during this difficult phase we are going through, and we will meet with the donor organizations next Tuesday." He continued: "We discussed the issue of security, and I am reassured that the security forces are monitoring this, taking into account the safety of shelter centers, and we will take the necessary measures regarding the people on the streets. We also requested the Ministry of Economy to be stringent in protecting consumers and pursuing anyone who exploits the situation to raise prices," stressing that "the situation today is difficult, and we must stand united to get through this phase; 'God willing, may God save this country and help us get through this phase safely'."

Mikati pointed out that "we have no choice but diplomacy, and no matter how long the war lasts, we will return to Resolution 1701; therefore, let us spare lives and move toward an agreement, and the Lebanese army is ready for this." He affirmed that "Lebanon still believes in international legitimacy and the United Nations, while others believe only in the law of the jungle and force."