25-11-2024 11:39 AM Jerusalem Timing

Miqati Chairs UN Security Council: Lebanon Committed to STL, Supports Palestine

Miqati Chairs UN Security Council: Lebanon Committed to STL, Supports Palestine

PM Najib Miqati stressed in New York on Tuesday that Lebanon is always committed to international resolutions, including the STL.

Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Tuesday that Lebanon is always committed to implementing international resolutions, including respecting the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which was stipulated in a number of Lebanese government policy statements.

He said while chairing a United Nations Security Council meeting: “Lebanon is committed to justice as a means to reach peace and it will always remain the land of freedoms and moderation.”

On the developments in Syria, he stated: “Lebanon is keen on its unity and the safety and security of its people.”

Furthermore, he renewed Lebanon’s commitment to the implementation of U.N. Security Council resolution 1701, demanding that the international community pressure Zionist entity to respect the resolution as well and withdraw from the Kfarshouba hills and Shabaa Farms.

In addition, it should be pressured to cease its ongoing violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty, which should pave the way for a cessation of hostilities and comprehensive ceasefire, he added.

Miqati also reiterated Lebanon’s right to demarcate its maritime border to exploit offshore gas and oil that was discovered in its territorial waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

On this note, he commended the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon for its role in helping Lebanon demarcate its land border in the South, stressing that Lebanon is keen on maintaining cooperation between it and the Lebanese army.

Addressing the Palestine’s bid to be recognized as a state by the U.N., Miqati said: “It meets all the required international standards … but seeing as it is an occupied state, we need to support its efforts to be recognized, end the occupation, and achieve its independence.”

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas made history in his people's long quest for statehood as he formally asked the United Nations on Friday to admit Palestine as a full member state, handing over a formal application to UN chief Ban Ki-moon.