Lebanese Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited southern Lebanon on Monday, inspecting army units stationed along the front lines. Accompanied by Army Commander-in-Chief General Joseph Aoun, Mikati reviewed the situation in the eastern sector and addressed troops at the Marjayoun barracks, the first stop in his tour.
“Let us begin by saluting the martyrs who sacrificed their lives defending our land,” Mikati stated. “I see determination and pride in your faces despite all challenges. Your morale inspires confidence.”
من ثكنة الجيش في مرجعيون، المحطة الاولى في جولتنا الجنوبية: لا بد بداية من توجيه التحية لارواح شهداء الجيش الذين سقطوا دفاعا عن الارض.
اتطلع في وجوهكم واشعر بالفخر لانني اشعر بمعنوياتكم العالية واصراركم على الدفاع عن الارض رغم كل الصعوبات. @Lebanesearmy2 pic.twitter.com/JJNNGud8XR— Najib Mikati (@Najib_Mikati) December 23, 2024
Ceasefire Implementation and Israeli Enemy Withdrawal
Mikati announced plans to convene a meeting with the committee overseeing the ceasefire, emphasizing the urgency of Israeli withdrawal from all territories occupied during its latest aggression. “Once the enemy withdraws, the army will resume its full duties,” he affirmed. “The army has never faltered and will prove its ability to handle any challenge. I have absolute confidence in this.”
He also commended the army as a unifying force for Lebanon. “The army represents this nation’s unity, fulfilling its duties with unwavering resolve. All Lebanese stand behind you,” he said.
Visit to Khiam: Assessing the Damage
In the southern city of Khiam, the final stop of the tour, Mikati, alongside General Aoun and UNIFIL Commander General Aroldo Lázaro, witnessed the extensive destruction caused by Israeli aggression. He expressed profound sorrow, calling for immediate international action.
“To fully enable the army, the monitoring committee under Resolution 1701 must pressure the Israeli enemy to cease its violations and withdraw from Lebanese territories,” he said. “These steps are crucial for the army to perform its mission.”
وصلنا إلى مقر قيادة القطاع الشرقي في “اليونيفيل” في بلدة ابل السقي وهي المحطة الثانية في جولتنا في الجنوب والتقينا قائد اليونيفيل الجنرال ارولدو لاثارو وقائد القطاع الشرقي الجنرال فرناندو رويث، ثم عقدنا اجتماعا نوّهنا خلاله بدور اليونيفيل وتعاونها الوثيق مع الجيش.@UNIFIL_ pic.twitter.com/ouLLhZmASX
— Najib Mikati (@Najib_Mikati) December 23, 2024
Mikati highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure the resolution’s implementation under US and French guarantees. He also criticized Israeli delays in adhering to the ceasefire agreement, calling for urgent action from French and US stakeholders to ensure Israeli compliance before the 60-day deadline.
Commitment to Reconstruction
On reconstruction, Mikati pledged a transparent plan to rebuild Khiam and other affected areas. “The destruction in the town of Khiam is truly heartbreaking, and the damage is extensive. There will undoubtedly be a reconstruction plan, and we are working to address this matter with urgency and full transparency. We are also collaborating with the World Bank, the European Union, Arab countries, and other friendly nations to establish a trust fund that will involve everyone in rebuilding what was destroyed in southern Lebanon,” Caretaker PM clarified.
Army Commander Reaffirms Resilience
Army Commander-in-Chief General Joseph Aoun praised Mikati’s support and reiterated the army’s commitment. “Despite limited resources, the army remains steadfast, protecting civilians. We will continue our mission with unwavering faith in our duty,” he said during his visit to the 7th Infantry Brigade’s headquarters in Marjayoun.
Mikati concluded his tour by urging unity and optimism. “The government is fully committed to international law and UN resolutions. Let us remain hopeful; together, we will overcome these challenges,” he declared.
Source: News Agencies
