Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Thursday visited Beirut Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elias Audi, to whom he offered Christmas and New Year well-wishes.
On emerging, Premier Mikati said: ‘Today’s visit comes on the occasion of the blessed holidays, and I wished His Eminence a merry Christmas, and a happy year full of contentment and health for all the Lebanese.’
Mikati said that they tackled during the meeting the current situation in the country.
Regarding the appointment of the Chief of Staff and the Military Council, Premier Mikati said: ‘Throughout all this stage, I have tried hard to stay away from any media debate, and I do not want to enter into any debate on this issue because the lessons are in their conclusions and the conclusions are so far good. I will maintain my principle of not engaging in any media debate with anyone, despite everything that is said. I reiterate that there is a matter related to the powers and position of the Prime Minister, and I do not accept that they be undermin
ed in any way.’
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, on Thursday received at his Yarzeh office, visiting Dutch Defense Minister, Kajsa Ollongren, and the Dutch Chief of Defense Staff, General Onno Eichelsheim, in the presence of the Dutch Ambassador to Lebanon, Hans Peter van Der Woude.
After the official reception ceremony, a wreath was laid at the memorial in the courtyard of the Ministry of National Defense.
The visiting delegation stressed ‘the important role of the military institution in preserving Lebanon’s security and stability,’ stressing ‘the necessity of supporting it so that it continues to carry out its missions effectively and professionally.’
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon