Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati convened a series of high-level meetings at the Grand Serail, amid mounting anticipation of a ceasefire agreement to end hostilities affecting Lebanon.
Following his meeting with Prime Minister Mikati, MP Simon Abi Ramia expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations. “I met with President Mikati, who, along with Speaker Nabih Berri, is representing Lebanon in the talks to secure a ceasefire agreement,” Abi Ramia said.
“The atmosphere in Lebanon is very positive. Lebanon has agreed to proposals presented by the United States and France,” the he added.
Abi Ramia revealed that US envoy Amos Hochstein was scheduled to arrive in Lebanon on Tuesday for discussions with Mikati and Berri.
“Given the positive signals from Lebanon, Hochstein is expected to visit Israel to obtain its final response,” he added.
Hochstein then underscored the potential breakthrough, stating, “If there is no maneuvering or stalling by Israel, we are on the brink of reaching an agreement, which is both a popular and political necessity in Lebanon. Should this positive trajectory continue, the agreement could be announced from Paris.”
Abi Ramia praised France’s role in the negotiations, calling their efforts “serious, effective, and productive.”
Prime Minister Mikati also met with MP Mohammad Sleiman, accompanied by a delegation of Arab tribes, municipal leaders, and representatives from border villages. The discussions focused on the hardships caused by ongoing Israeli attacks, including displacement and extensive destruction.
“Residents of these border villages are now displaced across the country,” Sleiman stated after the meeting.
“We conveyed to Prime Minister Mikati the scale of devastation and the number of casualties. With winter approaching, he assured us of his commitment to addressing the displacement crisis.”
Sleiman emphasized the urgent need for equality in aid distribution and reaffirmed the delegation’s commitment to coexistence and unity.
“We hope for progress in securing a ceasefire and implementing Resolution 1701,” he concluded.
In a separate meeting, Mikati received a delegation from Sidon, including political, spiritual, and community leaders. Speaking on behalf of the group, MP Osama Saad called for increased state support for displaced residents and those enduring the Israeli aggression in the south.
“The meeting followed up on an earlier gathering of Sidon’s leaders to address the dire conditions of displaced families and the resilience of those remaining in border towns,” Saad said.
“We stressed the need for resources to support those in shelters and homes and to ensure the national and social cohesion necessary during this perilous time,” Saad added, emphasizing the importance of safe, prompt returns for displaced residents and the reconstruction of damaged properties. “
Any potential settlement must include provisions for rebuilding and adequate resources for reconstruction,” Saad noted. Mikati reportedly assured the delegation of the government’s commitment to these priorities.
In a separate engagement, Mikati met with a delegation from the Insurance Control Commission, led by Nadim Haddad. Discussions covered the commission’s activities and the challenges facing Lebanon’s insurance sector.
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