Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Miqato started on Saturday a visit to the south, stressing that stability in the south “is a key for stability in the Middle East”.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Miqato started on Saturday a visit to the south, stressing that stability in the south “is a key for stability in the Middle East”.
Miqati assured Lebanon’s commitment to the UN Security Council resolution, 1701, as saying: “The cabinet will fully implement Resolution 1701 in order to move from the “Cessation of Hostilities” stage in to “Permanent Ceasefire” stage.
“The government will keep urging the UN to halt Israel’s ongoing violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty”, Miqati stated before army units deployed in southern Lebanon.
“Stability and security will not be achieved in the region without fair and permanent peace through the implementation of the international agreements that maintain the Palestinian people’s rights.”
The Premier added that the cabinet “is also keen on working to ensure Israel’s withdrawal of the Shebaa Farms, Kfar Shouba Hills and the northern part of the Ghajar territory”.
Miqati kicked off his tour of southern Lebanon by visiting the army barracks in the town of Marjeyoun, flying to the area onboard a military helicopter. Then, he headed to the southern town of Aadaiseh.
The PM noted that his visit coincided with two events: the fifth anniversary of 2006 July war, and the renewal for the international forces working in South Lebanon, UNIFIL.
“Few years earlier”, Miqati said Further, “this area, along with others in the south, had witnessed a wide Israeli offense”.
“Against this offense, three wills have emerged: a will of people who decided to stay in their land whatever the cost was, a will of an army that decided to challenge despite its moderate capabilities and a will of a resistance which decided to defend their land, people and homes, and they defeated the enemy. All these wills achieved the victory which we will celebrate in the mid of coming August”.
Miqati was accompanied by Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn and Lebanese Army Commander General Jean Kahwaji.
