Mikati Rebukes Iranian Remarks on UNSC Resolution 1701 Mediation with France

BEIRUT: Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati voiced his surprise over comments by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who indicated Tehran's readiness to negotiate with France regarding the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. Mikati criticized this stance as unwelcome interference in Lebanon's internal affairs. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Mikati described Ghalibaf's remarks as an attempt to impose external control over Lebanon, which he deemed unacceptable. Mikati emphasized that during the recent visits of Iranian officials, including the Iranian Foreign Minister and the Speaker of the Iranian Shura Council, to Lebanon, the Lebanese government clearly communicated the country's fragile situation amidst ongoing Israeli aggression. He highlighted Lebanon's collaboration with international allies, such as France, to exert pressure on Israel to cease attacks. Mikati reiterated that the responsibility for negotiating the implementation of Resolut ion 1701 rests with the Lebanese state, urging all parties to support Lebanon's approach rather than introducing new forms of unwarranted oversight. He emphasized that such actions are rejected based on both national sovereignty and independence.