Mikati and Le Drian Deliberate on Lebanon’s Presidential Election and Post-Ceasefire Situation.

Beirut: Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati met with French Presidential Envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian at the Grand Serail, alongside French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro, and advisors Nicolas Nahas and Boutros Assaker. The discussions were primarily focused on the current situation in Lebanon following the recent ceasefire, highlighting the pressing need to elect a new president. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Le Drian emphasized French President Emmanuel Macron's call for timely action in Lebanon. He pointed out the significance of the upcoming parliamentary session scheduled for January 9, viewing it as a crucial step towards resolving the country's leadership vacuum. In a related series of interactions, Mikati received phone calls from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris. Both leaders voiced their support for maintaining stability in Lebanon, underscoring international concern for the nation's future. Additionally, Mikati expressed gratitude to wards Ireland for its unwavering support of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and its cooperative efforts with the Lebanese Army in southern Lebanon.