BEIRUT (Anadolu/Xinhua) – Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati has stressed that his country distances itself from any disputes among Arab states.
Following a dinner for Arab foreign ministers following their summit in Beirut, Mikati announced that his country prevents abuse from all Arab states and any harm to Lebanon’s national security.
Mikati called on Arab and, specifically, Persian Gulf states to embrace and support Lebanon and its people at this critical time.
He reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to implementing all United Nations Security Council and Arab League resolutions in a way that consolidates the policy of disassociation from any Arab disputes.
The prime minister also emphasized his country’s respect for the sovereignty of all Arab countries, as well as the sovereignty of Lebanon over its entire territory.
For more than two years, Lebanon has suffered from the low value of its currency and severe shortages of food, fuel and electricity.
Meanwhile, Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Saturday called on Arab leaders to unite in order to tackle the various challenges now facing the Arab world.
“We must work together to address different challenges, including defending the Palestinian cause and rights of Palestinian people, putting an end to wars in our countries, and not sparing efforts to fight against terrorism in addition to dealing with the biggest waves of displacement in modern history,” reported a statement by Lebanon’s Presidency quoted Aoun as saying.
Aoun made the remarks during his meeting at Baabda Palace with Arab foreign ministers who had arrived in Beirut for the consultative ministerial meeting of the Arab League (AL).
Lebanon is determined to resolve its multiple crises, said Aoun, adding the country has successfully held parliamentary elections and is now forming a government and seeking to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund to prevent the country from collapse.
For his part, AL Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit said the AL would support Lebanon, the Lebanese government and its people.
The AL’s Council of Foreign Ministers meets twice a year, in July and September, to discuss issues that concern the Arab nations.