Mikati meets Borrell, urges international pressure to halt Israeli aggression and cooperation on Syrian refugees

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Thursday met with Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, at the Grand Serail. Also present were EU Ambassador to Lebanon, Sandra De Waele, and a delegation from the European Commission, alongside Mikati's advisors. During the meeting, Mikati expressed his appreciation for Borrell's supportive stance on Lebanon and called for "increased international and UN pressure to halt Israel's ongoing aggression against Lebanon." Discussions also addressed Lebanon's internal situation, with both sides underscoring the importance of enhanced cooperation between Lebanon and the EU to manage the Syrian refugee crisis and its current and future risks. Separately, Mikati met with Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, and a UN delegation. Talks centered on strengthening cooperation to address the Syrian refugee issue as previously agreed. In additional meetings, Mikati received Norway's new Ambassador to Lebanon, Hil de Haralstad, with whom he discussed bilateral relations. Mikati also met with Caretaker Foreign Minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, who briefed him on recent Arab League meetings and talks with Syria. The Prime Minister also hosted several Lebanese officials, including MP Walid Baarini, Lebanon's Ambassador to Russia, Shouki Bou Nassar, and Ogero's Director General, Imad Kreidieh. Source: National news agency - Lebanon