Mikati Chairs Emergency Meeting as Lebanon Prepares for Paris Conference

BEIRUT: Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati chaired an emergency meeting on Friday at the Grand Serail with key government ministers, including Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi and Culture Minister Mohammad Wissam al-Mortada, to discuss Lebanon's preparations for the upcoming Paris conference scheduled for October 24. The conference aims to address Lebanon's humanitarian needs amidst ongoing regional tensions. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the meeting concentrated on a strategic four-point plan presented by Environment Minister Nasser Yassin, aimed at maintaining essential services. Yassin emphasized the government's collaboration with the World Food Programme to provide daily meals for 200,000 displaced persons. Additional measures are being taken to ensure heating and electricity for shelters, particularly those in schools now repurposed as housing centers. Minister of Industry Georges Boujikian highlighted the plan's economic aspects, underscoring the importance of sustaining Lebanon's i ndustrial output to bolster food security and exports. "The continuation of the industrial sector is crucial to keep the economy running," Boujikian stated. Additionally, Prime Minister Mikati engaged in discussions with Egyptian Ambassador to Lebanon, Alaa Moussa, focusing on diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the Israeli aggression. Meetings were also held with local officials from the Hasbaya and Arqoub regions to address the humanitarian crisis impacting the displaced populations. Security discussions were a priority, as Mikati held talks with Army Commander General Joseph Aoun to evaluate the military's needs before the Paris conference. Although General Aoun will not be in attendance due to the current situation, a comprehensive report will be presented to secure international support for Lebanon's armed forces. Further consultations with General Security Chief Elias Baisari, State Security Director Tony Saliba, and Internal Security Forces Chief Imad Othman centered on addressing Lebanon's security c hallenges and reinforcing the country's security apparatus. Mikati also met with MP Simon Abi Ramia, who emphasized Lebanon's sovereign right to self-negotiation and condemned external interference. Abi Ramia commended France's diplomatic efforts in advocating for a ceasefire and supporting displaced Lebanese communities. The Prime Minister concluded his engagements with a visit to a refugee center operated by the "Farah al-Ataa" organization, where he acknowledged the essential contributions of local charities in providing aid.