Lebanon’s Prime Minister Chairs Crucial Meetings Amid National Crises

Beirut: Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati held critical discussions Thursday at the Grand Serail with top officials, focusing on customs procedures and legal issues, amid Lebanon's multifaceted crises. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the customs meeting, attended by Finance Minister Dr. Youssef Khalil, Public Works and Transport Minister Ali Hamieh, and other key officials, centered on enhancing the clearance of goods at ports. The officials agreed to speed up the auction process for abandoned goods and to streamline the release of non-hazardous items, aiming to alleviate congestion and facilitate smoother operations at customs. In a separate session dedicated to legal affairs, discussions revolved around the Algerian national company Sonatrach, following Cabinet Decision No. 44 dated September 11, 2024. The meeting included Minister of State for Administrative Development Najla Riachi and Energy Minister Walid Fayad, though specific outcomes of the discussions were not disclosed. On the d iplomatic front, Mikati welcomed Austrian Ambassador to Lebanon, Franziska Honsowitz-Friesenringg, who affirmed Austria's support for Lebanon. The Ambassador emphasized the critical role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the need for a diplomatic resolution, reinforcing the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Additionally, UNESCO Regional Director Costanza Farina met with Mikati to discuss educational projects aimed at mitigating the impact of the ongoing war on Lebanon's education sector. This indicates continued international involvement in addressing Lebanon's humanitarian and infrastructural challenges. Local political support was also evident as Mikati met with MP Agop Pakradounian, who stressed the urgency of unity and action to address the crisis. Moreover, Civil Service Council Chairperson Nasreen Mashmoushi reported on the challenges facing the public sector due to Israeli aggression, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to maintain essential publ ic services, especially for displaced individuals. Throughout these meetings, Mikati underscored the critical importance of keeping the public sector functional during these challenging times, reflecting the government's proactive stance in navigating through the national crises.