Miqati from South: We’ll Keep Urging U.N. to Halt Israeli Violations of Lebanon’s Sovereignty
Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Saturday that the stability of Southern Lebanon is the key to achieving stability in the Middle East.
He stated before army units deployed in southern Lebanon: “Stability and security will not be achieved in the region without fair and permanent peace through the implementation of the international agreements that maintain the Palestinian people’s rights.”
“The government stressed its commitment to the implementation of United Nations Security Council 1701 and we will keep on demanding that the U.N. put a stop to Israel’s constant violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty,” he declared.
Miqati kicked off his tour of southern Lebanon by visiting the army barracks in the town of Marjeyoun, flying to the area onboard a military helicopter.
He was accompanied by Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn and Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji.
“I wanted my first visit after the government’s vote of confidence at parliament to be the South,” the premier stated.
He noted that the tour coincides with the fifth anniversary of the eruption of the July 2006 war and the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
The war demonstrated the people’s perseverance before the enemy, the army’s will to confront Israel despite its modest means, and the Resistance’s will to defend its land and people, Miqati stressed.
The victory in the war also resulted in the Lebanese army’s return to southern Lebanon, he added.
It also brought about the expansion of UNIFIL’s mission in Lebanon in order to protect the country’s sovereignty in cooperation with the army, he continued.
He pointed out however that the victory was incomplete because of Israel’s ongoing occupation of the Shebaa Farms, Kfarshouba hills, and the northern section of the village of Ghajar.
“The government is determined to end the Israeli occupation and its acts of aggression through all possible legitimate means,” he announced.
To the army officers, he said: “You are obligated to defend this land and your country appreciates your sacrifices despite its shortcomings in addressing your affairs.”
“I vow that our government will work hard on fulfilling your needs … your state will protect the army and all security institutions against any interference because they belong to the whole of Lebanon,” Miqati declared.
He then headed to the UNIFIL headquarters at Ras al-Naqoura where he stressed that the Lebanon looks forward to maintaining cooperation with the international force.
“Lebanon will not back down from supporting the implementation of international agreements, but this is not enough in guaranteeing stability and peace,” he noted.
“The international community should confront Israel and force it to implement its agreements,” he emphasized.
The premier met with UNIFIL commander Major General Alberto Asarta and a number of officers during his stop in Ras al-Naqoura.
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