Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati met with Caretaker Justice Minister Henri Khoury at the Grand Serail to discuss the case of Lebanese missing in Syrian prisons. Minister Khoury confirmed that he had handed over the names of the missing individuals to Mikati, which were previously compiled by the Missing Persons Committee chaired by the Beirut Prosecutor.
“The PM will take all necessary steps to follow up on this issue. We hope that through his efforts, positive results will emerge, though the committee will continue its work by hearing from anyone who was imprisoned in Syrian prisons,” Khoury said.
The Justice Minister also mentioned the ongoing meetings of the emergency committee formed by a Cabinet decision, adding, “We hope for a positive conclusion that benefits the families of the missing, with the return of those still detained in Syria.”
Khoury then noted that all known Syrian prisons had been cleared of prisoners, but the search continues for possible secret detention centers.
“We all hope to find Lebanese citizens who were arrested or detained by Syrian authorities,” he said.
Furthermore, Khoury informed Mikati that he had received a list of over 6,500 prisoners currently held in Lebanon, and that they would review the names to determine any further actions.
In addition to his meeting with Khoury, Mikati also convened with Finance Minister Youssef Khalil, with whom he discussed various ministry matters.
The PM later met with MP Mohammad Suleiman, with whom he addressed general issues and concerns related to the Akkar region.
Mikati also welcomed Mohammad Al-Hout, Chairman and CEO of Middle East Airlines (MEA), who briefed him on the airline’s activities during the holiday season.
Al-Hout remarked, "It was a pleasure to meet with the Prime Minister and thank him for his recent visit to MEA, where he presented a plaque to all the employees." Al-Hout added that MEA’s flights were fully booked for the festive period, reflecting a robust season, although the numbers were slightly lower than in 2023.
"We continue to see growth, especially after the ceasefire," he noted.
Al-Hout also updated Mikati on the increase in flights to Iraq, with 14,000 Lebanese transported back to Lebanon since the end of the war.
Finally, Mikati held meetings with former MP Bahia Hariri, discussing general affairs, as well as with Jean Al-Alya, head of the Public Procurement Authority, and Brigadier General Bassam Al-Nablasi, Secretary-General of the Higher Relief Commission, with whom he discussed public tenders and procurement matters. Mikati also met with Rima Makki, Head of the Higher Customs Council.
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