Mikati during 'Munich Security Conference': Lebanon capable of emerging from its crises with international community's continued support
NNA - Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed his optimism that "under the leadership of President Joseph Aoun, progress will be made in strengthening the role of the judiciary, the army, the security forces and public administrations to restore the confidence of the Lebanese in their institutions."
He said: "We will closely monitor the work of the new government, and we hope that it will continue to work according to the foundations we have established."
"Lebanon is capable, with the continued support of the international community, of emerging from its crisis, stronger and more united, and the future will be brighter,' pledged Mikati.
His positions came in his speech today before the 'Munich Security Conference' held in its 61st session in Germany, where he presented the many challenges that Lebanon faced during his tenure as prime minister for more than three years.
'Lebanon still needs outside assistance to support basic services and provisions such as education and healthcare. The National Social Protection Strategy we launched a year ago requires the necessary funding to support the most vulnerable population groups. There is also an urgent need for dedicated assistance to strengthen local institutions and lay the foundations for long-term economic growth and stability,' Mikati maintained.
Addressing the issue of displaced Syrians, he said: 'Lebanon has hosted more than 1.5 million displaced Syrians, but the burden on our infrastructure and society has cost an estimated $100 billion and so we call on the international community to help both countries to ensure a quick return.'
Addressing the conference participants, Mikati said: 'Lebanon is committed to taking the path toward recovery, but we need the continued support and partnership of the international community, so that together we can overcome the challenges ahead and build a brighter and more stable future for Lebanon. We cannot allow the opportunity to rebuild the modern Lebanese state to be missed.'
At the end of his speech, Mikati paid tribute to the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on the twentieth anniversary of his martyrdom, praising his "national role that brought together all national components."
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