Mikati urges ceasefire, compliance with international law in meeting with U.S. Secretary Blinken in London

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Friday held a meeting in London with U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, attended on the American side by State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller and James Roubie of the U.S. Institute of International Studies. The Lebanese delegation included Lebanon's Ambassador to the UK, Rami Mortada, and Prime Minister Mikati's advisor, Ziad Mikati. During the meeting, Prime Minister Mikati emphasized Lebanon's urgent priority on 'a ceasefire and deterrence of Israeli aggression, especially given that more than 1.4 million Lebanese have been displaced from areas under attack.' The PM further condemned Israel's actions as 'violations of international law, targeting civilians, journalists, and medical personnel.' Mikati then underscored Lebanon's 'commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in its current form, without amendment,' while stressing that 'Israel must first demonstrate genuine commitment to a ceasefire, as previous calls for peace, suc h as the U.S.-French initiative with Arab and international backing, have impacted the credibility of all involved.' In turn, Secretary Blinken reaffirmed that Washington remains committed to a diplomatic solution, supporting an immediate ceasefire and adherence to international resolutions to ensure regional stability. He also expressed U.S. support for Lebanon's government institutions, particularly the army and security forces, and highlighted 'the critical role of the Lebanese Armed Forces in enforcing Resolution 1701.' Source: National news agency - Lebanon