Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati accompanied by Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, and UNIFIL Chief, General Aroldo Lázaro, toured the southern Lebanese town of Khiam, the final stop on their visit to the eastern sector of southern Lebanon. The visit aimed to assess the extensive damage inflicted by recent Israeli hostilities.
Speaking at the conclusion of the tour, Mikati expressed deep sorrow over the massive destruction.
“We feel great pain witnessing the devastation in the South,” Mikati said. “There is hope in the army and its morale. However, we must be frank: for the army to fully perform its duties, the monitoring committee tasked with implementing Resolution 1701 must fulfill its role, pressuring the Israeli enemy to cease its violations and stop the destruction we see here. Furthermore, there must be an immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories they have recently encroached upon. These are essential steps to enable the army to carry out its full responsibilities,” the PM added.
Moreover, Mikati underscored Lebanon’s commitment to implementing measures related to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, with assurances from the United States and France.
“I have called for a meeting tomorrow at the Grand Serail with the committee overseeing the ceasefire, specifically with the French, American, and Lebanese officers. The army must face no obstacles in performing its duties,” Mikati added.
The Prime Minister attributed delays in implementing the resolution to Israeli intransigence.
“The issue does not lie with the Lebanese Army but with Israeli procrastination. We must engage the French and Americans, as parties to the ceasefire agreement, to address this stalling. Swift action is critical to ensure Israel’s full withdrawal from Lebanese territories within the 60-day timeframe stipulated in the ceasefire agreement,” maintained Mikati.
The Prime Minister further reiterated his determination to resolve disputes over the Blue Line.
“There must be no justification for Israeli occupation of any part of our land. The Lebanese government is committed to international laws and UN resolutions, and we are actively implementing them. To those who doubt, I say: have faith, and you will see results.”
Addressing the devastation in Khiyam, Mikati described the scene as “heartbreaking” and emphasized the urgency of reconstruction efforts.
“The destruction here is immense. A comprehensive reconstruction plan will be developed with complete transparency and speed. We are working with the World Bank, the European Union, Arab nations, and friendly states to establish a trust fund to rebuild all areas damaged in southern Lebanon,” Mikati concluded.
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