MIKATI DISCUSSES SECURITY, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND SOCIOECONOMIC WITH GRAND SERAIL VISITORS

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Tuesday met with the Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), General Aroldo Lázaro, at the Grand Serail. The meeting reportedly reviewed the situation along the Blue Line and discussed cooperation between the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL, particularly regarding the implementation of UN Resolution 1701. The pair also examined the report UNIFIL is preparing for UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the resolution's implementation. Additionally, Mikati held talks with Minister of State for Administrative Development, Najla Riachi, focusing on ministerial matters. Later, MP Yassine Yassine met with Mikati to discuss the chronic water issues in the West Bekaa and Rashaya regions. Yassine highlighted problems with the water network, electricity, and water storage, noting the variations between different towns. He proposed a comprehensive solution that requires further study and action, which he presented to Mikati. Mikati also welcomed a dele gation of retired military personnel, including former MP Shamel Roukoz, General Adnan Mrabeh, and Brigadiers Bassam Yassine, Majed Tarabay, and Andre Rahal. Roukoz addressed the dire conditions of retirees, their families, and the families of fallen soldiers, emphasizing that current pensions are insufficient to meet their needs. He called for a minimum 40% increase in pensions based on 2019 levels, highlighting the need for a living wage that ensures dignity and respect for those who served the nation. Roukoz added, "The Prime Minister indicated that this issue would be discussed in today's Cabinet meeting, with potential results expected next week. The government and parliament must work together to ensure fair pensions that balance necessary allowances with economic stability." Finally, former Minister Mohammad Choucair and his family met with Mikati to express their gratitude for his condolences following the death of Choucair's father, Nizar Choucair. Source: National news agency - Lebanon