Makary from Grand Serail: We hold on to France’s ceasefire initiative

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati met Monday at the Grand Serail with Caretaker Information Minister, Ziad Makary, who informed his host of the contacts he had held in Paris on the sidelines of the Francophonie Summit, in which he represented Lebanon. "We have relayed via media means to all the presidents of states whom we met on the sidelines of the summit a key message that the civilians are the ones paying the price and that this conflict is destroying Lebanon and Beirut on a daily basis," Makary said following the meeting. "The Lebanese state holds on to the French-US initiative that provides for a 21-day ceasefire," he said. "We sensed a great seriousness of French President Emmanuel Macron," he added. In response to a question, Makary confirmed that Macron will hold a conference on Lebanon end of October. Mikati had earlier met with Turkish Ambassador to Lebanon, Ali Baris Ulusoy, with whom he discussed the latest developments. He also met with Army Commander General Joseph Aoun. He separately chaired a meeting comprising Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi, Public Works Minister Ali Hamieh, and the army commander. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon