Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Monday met at the Grand Serail, with EU Ambassador, Ralph Tarraf, who said in the wake of the meeting that he held ‘constructive talks with Prime Minister Mikati on issues of common interest.’
‘We’ve discussed areas of joint work, especially those related to security files, Syrian refugees, and economic opportunities, in addition to pending issues such the election of a president, and the reform program with the International Monetary Fund,’ said Tarraf.
‘There is a common understanding that we are here to extend support, but all the measures and procedures on the ground must be taken by Lebanese decision-makers. We understand that these issues are complex and not easy,’ Tarraf said.
In response to a question about the country’s rapid economic deterioration, suggesting that some sides should ‘give up some of their ambitions and aspirations’ for the country’s best interest.
Premier Mikati also welcomed the UNIFIL Commander, Major General Aroldo Lazaro, at the head of a delegation, in the presence of Premier Mikati’s Advisors Ambassador Boutros Assaker and Ziad Mikati.
Discussions reportedly touched on the situation along the Blue Line and in the UNIFIL area of operations. They also touched on the preparations underway for the report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the implementation of Resolution 1701
Mikati hailed the role played by UNIFIL, especially in limiting Israel’s violations of the Blue Line.
Separately, Mikati chaired an expanded meeting devoted to the transport sector, attended by Caretaker Ministers of Public Works and Transport Ali Hamieh, Interior and Municipalities Bassam Mawlawi,Tele-Communications Johnny Corm, Economy and Trade Amin Salam and Tourism Walid Nassar, in addition to transport syndicates and unions as well as bodies concerned with the sector.
Mikati later met with Caretaker Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Bassam Mawlawi, in the presence of Acting Director General of General Security, Brigadier General Elias Baissari.
Mikati later met with Caretaker Tourism Minister, Walid Nassar, over affairs related to his ministry.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon