Bou Habib briefs Mikati on outcome of Egypt visit: Unconditional support for Lebanon, Gaza ceasefire efforts

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Friday held a meeting with Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdallah Bou Habib, at the Grand Serail. Following the meeting, Minister Bou Habib said that he had provided an update to the PM on his recent visit to Egypt, during which he secured unconditional support for Lebanon and emphasized the importance of ending the war in Lebanon, which is intrinsically linked to the conflict in Gaza. However, he stressed that Lebanon's peace remains the priority. 'The discussions also covered the extension of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate,' Bou Habib added, confirming that Lebanon has agreed to the first draft of the extension, with only minor amendments, and expressed hope that the extension would be finalized within the month, securing another year for UNIFIL's operations. Additionally, Minister Bou Habib revealed that Lebanon would be sending a message to ambassadors outlining the country's core principles regarding foreig n policy, particularly in light of the ongoing events in Gaza and southern Lebanon. The Foreign Minister further highlighted a joint American-Egyptian-Qatari initiative to convene a meeting on August 15 aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza. 'The Lebanese government fully supports the joint statement issued by U.S. President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The statement calls for immediate relief for the people of Gaza and the release of hostages, recognizing the immense suffering endured by both Palestinians and hostages' families,' Bou Habib stated. Moreover, the Foreign Minister praised the leaders' efforts in crafting a framework agreement and emphasized Lebanon's endorsement of the principles laid out by President Biden and enshrined in UN Security Council Resolution 2735. 'The Lebanese government urges all parties to expedite the release of hostages, commence the ceasefire, and implement the agreement without delay,' Bou Habib add ed, announcing Lebanon's support for resuming urgent discussions on August 15 in Doha or Cairo to finalize and enact the agreement. Bou Habib finally called for decisive action to fulfill commitments, restore peace, and provide assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict, with the ultimate goal of restoring calm to the region Source : National news agency - Lebanon