Mikati Engages in Strategic Meetings on Lebanon’s Financial and Infrastructure Challenges.

Beirut: Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, held a series of critical meetings at the Grand Serail, focusing on significant domestic and international issues. These discussions addressed Lebanon's ongoing financial challenges and infrastructural concerns due to recent events. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Mikati commenced his series of meetings by conferring with UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. The discussion revolved around the outcomes of the UN Security Council's closed session on Lebanon. Advisors Ambassador Boutros Assaker and Ziad Mikati were also present during this meeting. In a subsequent financial meeting, Mikati engaged with Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh Al-Shami, Finance Minister Dr. Youssef Khalil, Director General of the Ministry of Finance Dr. Georges Maarawi, and former Minister Nicolas Nahas. The meeting centered on Lebanon's financial obstacles and explored potential solutions to navigate these challenges. Further into the day, Caretaker P ublic Works and Transportation Minister, Ali Hamieh, updated Mikati on the operations of Lebanon's land, sea, and air facilities. The discussion included efforts to assess and address the damage from recent Israeli strikes, emphasizing the requirement for a precise legal framework and accurate damage assessments. Hamieh pointed out that unofficial damage figures were speculative, underlining the necessity for government-led assessments in collaboration with municipalities and experts. Hamieh stated, "We are working tirelessly to finalize a structured plan for damage assessment, debris removal, and reconstruction, including funding mechanisms," reaffirming the government's commitment to its responsibilities toward the Lebanese people. In another meeting, Mikati discussed the fuel needs of the state-run Electricité du Liban (EDL) and facilities hosting displaced populations with Caretaker Energy and Water Minister, Walid Fayad. Finally, Mikati received Archbishop Edouard Daher, head of the Melkite Greek Cath olic Archdiocese of Tripoli and the North. Daher conveyed the support of Patriarch Youssef Absi and praised Mikati's efforts to stabilize Lebanon, notably through international engagements in New York and Paris. Daher emphasized the importance of national unity and urged all leaders to prioritize the interests of Lebanese citizens and work through state institutions.