Mikati discusses expanding humanitarian aid with WFP, Beirut blast probe with Serail visitors

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Monday received the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy McCain, alongside National Emergency Committee Coordinator, Environment Minister Nasser Yassin, at the Grand Serail. McCain extended her condolences for the loss of three Civil Defense members in the village of Froun earlier this week. Discussions centered on expanding support for displaced Lebanese families from the south due to the ongoing conflict. McCain emphasized the importance of "sustaining aid and preparing for resilience and recovery once conditions allow for their return." Talks also highlighted the need to ensure a "voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return" of Syrian refugees and preparations for Lebanon's participation in the upcoming "United Nations Summit for the Future." Mikati separately met with a delegation from the Lebanese Forces parliamentary bloc, led by former Deputy Prime Minister, Ghassan Hasbani. Following the meeting, Hasbani reiterated the bloc's dem and for an international fact-finding committee to probe Beirut port explosion, stating, 'Over four years have passed, yet the truth remains elusive, and the investigation faces numerous obstacles.' Hasbani also called on authorities to remove administrative barriers hindering the judicial process and urged the acting Attorney General, Judge Jamal Hajjar, to reverse directives blocking the investigation. "Justice is a national responsibility that impacts Lebanon's security and sovereignty," Hasbani stressed. Mikati responded positively to these concerns, vowing to follow up with the Justice Minister to address the investigation's stagnation. In a separate meeting, Mikati held talks with MP Jihad al-Samad, Chair of the Defense and Interior Committee, with whom he discussed regional issues, including the impact of Gaza conflict on Lebanon. "Stability in southern Lebanon hinges on achieving a ceasefire in Gaza," al-Samad noted. Additionally, Mikati received MP Mohammad Yehya, who urged support for the comple tion of a vocational school in Akkar, and former Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni, who presented his new book on Lebanon's financial collapse. Source: National news agency - Lebanon