Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati commenced his formal dialogues at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, engaging in discussions with U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland. Caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib was also present during the talks.
The primary emphasis of the discussions was the intricacies of the Lebanese-American alliance, as well as the manifold challenges Lebanon is presently grappling with.
Mr Mikati made a fervent appeal to the global community, urging them to stand by Lebanon in its struggle with the escalating Syrian displacement dilemma, emphasising the monumental threat it places upon Lebanon and the fabric of its society.
Mikati remarked, “We’ve finalised the reform schemes stipulated by the International Monetary Fund, and it’s now up to the parliament to take the necessary actions.”
In response, the U.S. delegate Ms Nuland urged Lebanese political factions to hasten the appointment of a new head of state. She underscored Washington’s endorsement of any intra-Lebanese discourse concerning this.
Moreover, Nuland beseeched Lebanon to bolster its collaborative efforts with global entities, notably the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This is in an effort to address not only the current Syrian displacement issue but all facets of the displacement concern.
Reaffirming Washington’s continued backing for the Lebanese Army, the US official underscored the imperative need to finalise economic and fiscal reforms.
