Synopsis
On February 8, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged the US to ensure Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon by February 18. This call aligns with a ceasefire agreement facilitated by the US and France, and emphasizes the importance of implementing UN resolutions for regional stability.Key Takeaways
- Lebanese leaders push for US intervention regarding Israel's withdrawal.
- Deadline set for February 18 aligns with ceasefire agreements.
- Emphasis on halting destruction in southern Lebanon.
- Collaboration with international community is vital for recovery.
- US remains committed to supporting Lebanon's reform agenda.
Beirut, Feb 8 (NationPress) Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Saturday urged the United States to guarantee Israel's total withdrawal from occupied southern Lebanese territories by February 18, in line with the ceasefire agreement facilitated by Washington and Paris.
During a meeting with US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus in Beirut, Mikati also emphasized the need to halt the systematic destruction of towns and villages and fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701. This includes resolving border disputes along the Blue Line, according to a statement from his office.
Mikati highlighted that compliance with international resolutions is crucial for stabilizing the region, especially in southern Lebanon.
On the same day, Ortagus met with Prime Minister-Designate Nawaf Salam, who called for heightened US pressure on Israel to ensure its complete withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories by the set deadline of February 18 without delay, as reported by the official National News Agency.
Salam further stressed the significance of collaborating with the United States and the international community to aid Lebanon's recovery, reconstruction, and long-term stability, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Ortagus reaffirmed US support for the incoming government, emphasizing Washington's commitment to Salam's reform agenda, which aims at financial, judicial, and administrative restructuring. She also expressed optimism that the new government would be formed soon.
