Lebanon caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati during his speech at the Arab summit, May, 19, 2023. (Credit: Dalati and Nohra)
BEIRUT — Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati spoke during the Arab Summit on Friday, stating that the repatriation of Lebanon's Syrian refugees cannot take place without Arab effort and support from the international community.
In his speech, Mikati said such efforts should take place through a "united Arab framework that would stimulate projects and build and revive destroyed places in order to place a roadmap for the return of the brotherly Syrians to their country."
Mikati stressed Lebanon's "respect" for "all international decisions issued by the United Nations and the Arab League, and its pact and the commitment to implement them."
He also stressed Lebanon's respect for the sovereignty of its "sister countries," as well as their social and political security.
"I once again affirm Lebanon's gratitude for sister countries, especially the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council for giving the opportunity to the Lebanese to work in their countries," Mikati concluded. "If it wasn't for this care, Lebanon would have been in an economic, financial and social situation that is worse."
The Arab Summit hosted Syrian President Bachar al-Asaad for the first time since 2011 when the Syrian civil war started. It also hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
In his speech, Mikati said such efforts should take place through a "united Arab framework that would stimulate projects and build and revive destroyed...