NNA - During the Cabinet session on Wednesday, Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, addressed several pressing national issues and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to its duties despite recent setbacks.
Mikati expressed regret over the postponement of the previous day’s meeting, stating, "We had planned a Cabinet session yesterday. Despite fully respecting freedom of expression, we regret what happened. I decided to convene today’s session because the interests of the people and the management of the country are above all other considerations. We will not hesitate to fulfill our responsibilities."
The Prime Minister highlighted the ongoing commitment of the government, which he described as being in its fourth year of a mission to "save" Lebanon.
"We enter the fourth year with confidence and caution, understanding that national responsibility is both a duty and a constitutional obligation, particularly in this critical period filled with challenges," Mikati said, emphasizing the need for national stability and progress amid ongoing Israeli aggression, which he condemned as continuing unabated for eleven months, causing significant destruction and suffering.
Mikati also addressed the urgency of electing a new president to prevent further constitutional instability.
"We reject living with a presidential vacancy and warn against it becoming a threatening void to constitutional stability," he said. "The absence of a president affects us deeply, as his presence is essential for the proper functioning of constitutional institutions."
Moreover, the PM commended the recent extension of the UNIFIL mandate, noting that it reflects global confidence in Lebanon.
"The unanimous extension of UNIFIL and the renewed trust in Lebanon underscore our importance to our international friends," Mikati remarked.
Regarding the national budget, Mikati praised the Ministry of Finance for submitting the budget within the constitutional timeframe for the second consecutive year. He acknowledged Finance Minister Youssef Khalil’s efforts and indicated that the budget discussions would address public sector workers' rights and proposed increases for current and retired personnel.
Mikati expressed his surprise at recent protests against the delayed budget discussion and reiterated the government’s plan to provide temporary social assistance to public sector employees until the budget is approved. "We have already applied similar measures for current and retired military personnel," he explained.
In his remarks about the ongoing crisis in southern Lebanon, Mikati highlighted the persistent internal displacement, now at 140,000 people.
The PM praised the efforts of the emergency response teams led by Minister Nasser Yassin and called for heightened global awareness and action.
Mikati also condemned the ongoing aggression and targeting of civilians and medical staff, stating that Lebanon had informed UN Security Council members of its position and planned to file a new complaint with the Council.
"We respect international institutions, especially the United Nations, and regret that previous complaints have not been adequately addressed," he said.
Mikati also urged against exploiting the financial crisis to raise prices and called on Education Minister Abbas Halabi and the concerned agencies to address these issues. He also welcomed Syria’s agreement to reduce transit fees for Lebanese trucks, which he said would boost Lebanese exports.
Finally, Mikati praised the efforts of various ministers in advancing digital transformation and administrative development and extended his greetings for the upcoming Eid al-Mawlid al-Nabawi, wishing everyone health and happiness.
========R.H.
