(UPDATE) Mikati welcomes UK Foreign and Defense Ministers amid regional tension

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Thursday met with UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, and UK Defense Secretary, John Healey, at the Grand Serail. The meeting was attended by British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell, Lebanese Ambassador to the UK, Rami Mortada, former Minister Nicolas Nahas, Ambassador Boutros Assaker, and Ziad Mikati. During the meeting, Mikati expressed gratitude for the UK's steadfast support for Lebanon, highlighting that the visit of UK ministers amid these challenging times is 'a significant gesture of solidarity.' The PM also noted that he had discussed the situation in Lebanon and the region with his British counterpart in France last Saturday. Mikati then criticized Israel for violating Lebanese sovereignty and repeatedly attacking civilians in blatant disregard of international laws. 'A political solution through the implementation of international resolutions, including Resolution 1701, is essential,' Mikati added, calling on the UK and the international community to press Israel to cease its aggression. In turn, UK Foreign Secretary Lammy urged all parties to respect and fully implement UN Resolution 1701, while UK Defense Secretary Healey commended the existing cooperation between the Lebanese and British militaries. Moreover, Healey advocated for resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomatic means, warning that violence would have severe consequences for all those involved. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon