Mikati holds series of meetings on domestic, international developments

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati conducted a series of meetings at the Grand Serail, addressing key domestic and international issues.  

Mikati met with UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert who briefed him on discussions from yesterday’s closed session of the UN Security Council regarding Lebanon. Advisors Ambassador Boutros Assaker and Ziad Mikati were also present at the meeting.  

The Prime Minister also chaired a financial meeting attended by Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh Al-Shami, Finance Minister Youssef Khalil, Director General of the Ministry of Finance Dr. Georges Maarawi, and former Minister Nicolas Nahas. Discussions focused on Lebanon's financial challenges and potential solutions.  

Later during the day, Caretaker Public Works Ali Hamieh briefed Mikati on the operation of Lebanon’s land, sea, and air facilities. He also discussed ongoing efforts to assess and address the destruction caused by Israeli strikes, emphasizing the need for a clear legal framework and accurate damage assessment. 

Hamieh highlighted that some unofficial figures regarding damages were speculative, stressing the importance of government-led assessments in collaboration with municipalities and experts.  

“We are working tirelessly to finalize a structured plan for damage assessment, debris removal, and reconstruction, including funding mechanisms,” Hamieh said, adding that the government remains committed to its responsibilities toward the Lebanese people.  

Mikati then met with Caretaker Energy Walid Fayad with whom he discussed the fuel needs of the state-run Electricité du Liban (EDL) and facilities hosting displaced populations.  

The Prime Minister separately received Archbishop Edouard Daher, head of the Melkite Greek Catholic Archdiocese of Tripoli and the North. 

Daher conveyed the support of Patriarch Youssef Absi and commended Mikati’s efforts to stabilize Lebanon, particularly through international engagements in New York and Paris.  

Daher emphasized the need for national unity and solidarity, calling on all leaders to prioritize the interests of Lebanese citizens and work through state institutions.