Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Monday affirmed the Lebanese government’s relentless efforts ‘carrying out the necessary contacts, internally and externally, to preserve calm on the internal scene and distance Lebanon from the repercussions of the ongoing war in Gaza.”Contacts are being carried out away from the media in a bid to ensure their success and avert panic among people,’ Mikati added, dismissing the flurry of negligence accusations leveled against the government as ‘prejudiced with a political nature, let alone far from reality.’During his meetings at the Grand Serail on Monday, Mikati confirmed complete Lebanese unity in solidarity with Palestine; however, he made it clear that ‘no one has an interest in undertaking a war adventure by opening a war front in southern Lebanon because the Lebanese are unable to bear it.”The region as a whole is in a difficult situation, and no one can predict what might happen.(…) But what is certain is that Israel is seeking to increase its provocati
ons,’ Mikati added.’I’ve exchanged contacts with the US administration, with Nuland, Barbara Leaf, Amos, and also with Italy’s Prime Minister, the French President, President Erdogan, and Turkey’s Foreign Minister. I’ve also communicated several times with Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Qatar’s Prime Minister, the UN Secretary-General several times, the British Foreign Office, and the Canadian Foreign Minister,’ disclosed Mikati.’We are carrying out the necessary contacts in a calm manner and far from the media showdown because exaggerated coverage of these contacts will only spark additional fear among people,’ Mikati explained.’Some people ponder who is in charge of the war and peace decision, yet it is currently in Israel’s hands,’ Mikati said, pushing for measures that deter Israel and alleviate its provocations.’In Israel, they’ve managed to swiftly form a government. The Lebanese should follow suit and unite to elect a president of the republic, as well as form an inclusive government to demonstrate a compl
ete and comprehensive concern for the nation. Is there anything more dangerous than the prevailing circumstances for everyone to give up on their conditions and elect a new president as soon as possible, assign a prime minister to form a new government, and give it confidence as quickly as possible to activate it?’ Mikati wondered.The PM concluded, ‘It appears through the ongoing regional and international contacts that there is great pressure to reach a ceasefire in Gaza: the US President’s statement at dawn today advised against Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza, as well as the Egyptian President’s stance and the ongoing diplomatic movement are all factors pushing for calm.’
Source: National News Agency-Lebanon