Caretaker Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati talks to British Defense Minister John Healy during a meeting at the Lebanese Embassy in London on Oct. 28, 2024. (Credit: Photo courtesy of Michel Hallak)
Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, called for an "immediate cease-fire" on Monday during a meeting with British Defense Minister John Healy at the Lebanese Embassy in London.
Mikati emphasized the need for an "immediate cease-fire, the need to work with international bodies for a diplomatic solution and the full implementation of resolution 1701," according to a press release from the Grand Serail.
"Diplomatic efforts for a cease-fire are continuing," Healy said. "The United Kingdom, the United States, France, Italy and Germany are supporting the Lebanese Army."
Mikati also expressed gratitude to London for its ongoing support of the Lebanese Army and praised "the role of UNIFIL [U.N. Interim Forces in Lebanon] in maintaining stability in southern Lebanon." He urged the U.K. to bolster UNIFIL's efforts and its cooperation with the Lebanese Army.
Mikati also met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London. "We want an end to the violence and a ceasefire from all parties, as well as full implementation of Resolution 1701," Starmer said, offering his condolences to Mikati for the civilian deaths in Lebanon in the ongoing war.