NNA - Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Friday met with Caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Ali Hamieh, at the Grand Serail. 

Following the meeting, Minister Hamieh stated, "The meeting with Prime Minister Mikati was part of our regular discussions to update him on the work of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, particularly regarding Rafik Hariri International Airport and the maritime crossings from Tripoli Port to Beirut Port and Sidon Port, as well as all facilities in Lebanon, including the land crossings."

Hamieh further elaborated on the status of these facilities, emphasizing that they operate under all Lebanese laws with no closed or open doors, and are governed by the Lebanese state in cooperation with its administrative and security agencies. Hamieh also addressed the recent airstrike on Baalbek and surrounding villages, highlighting the suffering of the local population and the losses faced by both Lebanese citizens and displaced persons. 

"The Prime Minister confirmed that additional measures would be taken through ongoing monitoring and a small committee from the South Lebanon Council, which includes Minister Abbas Hajj Hassan, to follow up on matters in real time with the Government’s Emergency Committee and the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate and the Union of Municipalities."

Responding to a question regarding a recent statement by a member of parliament about closed doors at Beirut Airport, Minister Hamieh said, "As the Minister of Public Works, I perform my duties accordingly. We addressed this issue in due time as per the law and provided the necessary explanations. As for the political and legislative levels at the parliament, I leave that decision to the concerned parties. However, the maritime ports, Rafik Hariri International Airport, and land crossings belong to the Lebanese people; they are not the property of any individual, party, sect, or person. These facilities are currently under the protection of all Lebanese citizens, and it is our duty to keep them functioning under the oversight of the Ministry of Public Works and the relevant administrative and security agencies."

===========R.H.