Prime Minister Najib Mikati affirmed his endeavor to resolve the crisis of the bank strike, noting that “the banking sector is essential in the country, and I seek to resolve the issue of the strike, which we hope will end within 48 hours.” We affirm the protection of the banking sector to restore Lebanon’s recovery.
Mikati said, “I am fully aware of what is happening in the country, and I know the suffering that the citizens are going through, and we are seeking to reduce the impact of the social pressure. And I seek to be a link between the Lebanese, and I do not seek in any way to return as prime minister again.
President Mikati’s words came during an interview this evening on “Al-Jadeed” channel with the journalist Sami Kulaib, in which he touched on all the files presented, politically, economically, security, financially and externally.
Bank strike
President Mikati indicated that the strike would end within 48 hours. He said, “I do not interfere with the work of the judiciary, and talking about “money laundering” within banks in the current manner is unacceptable, as it harms Lebanon’s reputation.
And I confirm that those who burned bank branches a few days ago are not depositors, and the security reports about what happened I received, and they contain all the information.
Miqati reassured the Lebanese that “the security situation is generally well maintained. And I salute all the security services for their role.”
Extension of Major General Ibrahim
In response to a question about the possibility of an extension for the Director General of Public Security, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, Mikati replied: “The extension for Major General Abbas Ibrahim must take place within the parliament, and I was asked to search for a legal way out for the issue of extension,” attributing the reason to the difficulty of holding a session so far.
Mikati said, “Necessary legislation is “necessary,” and state institutions should never be disrupted. And whether there were contacts in this regard with the “Shiite duo,” Mikati said: “I did not speak with President Nabih Berri about the issue of the extension of Major General Abbas Ibrahim, nor with Hezbollah, neither from near nor from afar.”
He said, “I will not acquiesce in any illegal order regarding the extension of Major General Abbas Ibrahim, who plays a great and excellent national role.”
Election of the President of the Republic
Regarding the election of a new president and the Paris five-party meeting, President Mikati thanked the friendly countries for their constant concern for Lebanon’s stability and security, and said: “The five-year meeting on Lebanon in Paris did not specify names for the presidency of the republic, and we hope to elect a new president for the country as soon as possible.” Answer: “I am on good terms with all parties, and the relationship is very excellent with the Army Commander, Joseph Aoun. I hope that my position on Suleiman Franjieh does not explain that we will form a duo in the future, and I have a close relationship with everyone without exception.”
The situation of Christians in Lebanon Regarding a report received by the Maronite Patriarchate indicating that the percentage of Christians in Lebanon has reached 19.4%, Mikati said: “The report reached me, but it is not confirmed, and our concern for Christians is great in Lebanon.” He continued: “I will visit His Holiness Pope Francis during the next month In order to discuss the situation of Christians in Lebanon and the Middle East, I will also discuss with him the file of the presidency. We adhere to coexistence, the unity of the country, and Christians, and I am a fanatic for Lebanon.”
In this context, Miqati said: “We strive hard to preserve the cohesion of the country and save it without difficulty, and I appeal to everyone to unite and work to curb the collapse.”
In the presidential file, Mikati continued: “The Free Patriotic Movement” became the “Obstruction Movement” and attacked the rights of Christians after it was the “Reform and Change Movement.”
He added, “There are no indications of electing a president soon, and there is a team that wants the entire country to collapse so that we can rebuild it.”
Mikati continued: “The development of Saudi-Iranian relations will reflect positively on Lebanon, and we welcome the agreement between the Kingdom and the Houthis in Yemen.” Mikati added: “The meeting with Prince Mohammed bin Salman was excellent, and he confirmed his willingness to help Lebanon through the fund that was created.”
Mikati added, “Prince Muhammad bin Salman has made an indescribable change in Saudi Arabia, and the kingdom is a superpower under the existing leadership.”
