Latest news with #Mikati
LBCI
17-04-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
President Macron awards former PM Mikati the French Legion of Honor in tribute to Lebanon
French President Emmanuel Macron awarded Lebanon's former Prime Minister Najib Mikati the prestigious Legion of Honor in a ceremony held at the Élysée Palace, attended by First Lady Brigitte Macron and members of the Mikati family. In his speech, Macron praised Mikati, saying, "This ceremony is a recognition by France of your person, and through you, a tribute to Lebanon — a country that is deeply dear to our hearts and truly one of a kind." Macron noted that while Lebanon recently marked 50 years since the start of its civil war, "the hopes of the Lebanese people today — and ours as well — are for a future of peace, stability, growth, and coexistence between religions and cultures." He added, "With this medal, we are honoring the statesman in you — particularly for your service over the past few years." Reflecting on their first private meeting, Macron recalled, "We spoke then of the immense challenges ahead for Lebanon, and over the years, I have witnessed your deep sense of national duty and responsibility." He praised Mikati's role in organizing crucial parliamentary elections, maintaining Lebanon's neutrality during regional turmoil, and steering the country through one of its worst crises following the Beirut Port explosion. "You faced one challenge after another, including a two-year presidential vacuum that paralyzed state institutions, and you remained committed to dialogue and the national interest," Macron said. He also commended Mikati's leadership during the recent escalation of violence in 2024, calling his response courageous. "Lebanon was fortunate to have a patriotic statesman like you — a man of balance and peace and a friend of France," Macron said. "Your connection to France is diplomatic, emotional, cultural, and political. You've always worked to strengthen ties between our countries and support a sovereign, free, and pluralistic Lebanon." Macron said, "France appreciates your service to your country, your efforts for regional stability, and your role in deepening the bond between Lebanon and France. It is my honor to present you with this decoration." In his remarks, Mikati said, "It is a great honor to stand before you today and receive this distinguished recognition. But more than a personal tribute, this award reflects the sincere and lasting friendship between our two countries." He called the Legion of Honor "a piece of the spirit of France — a spirit that has shone through the ages and inspired the world." Expressing gratitude, Mikati added, "We have worked side by side over the years, guided by perseverance and determination to serve both our nations. But there is a deep personal bond beyond official relations — a true friendship built on trust, mutual respect, and unwavering loyalty." He emphasized the strong emotional connection the Lebanese people feel toward France. "In our darkest moments, Lebanon has never stood alone. France has always been there — watchful, supportive, and fraternal," Mikati said. He added that receiving the award from Macron carries "a deeply personal significance," recognizing the French president's heartfelt commitment to Lebanon. "You have stood with us during the toughest times, not just as a head of state, but as a true friend." Surrounded by his family, Mikati concluded, "This moment symbolizes France's special place in the hearts of all Lebanese — like a steadfast anchor for a ship in stormy seas. Thank you for this profoundly moving gesture, and above all, thank you for your priceless friendship. Long live the friendship between France and Lebanon."
National News
17-04-2025
- Politics
- National News
President Macron awards former PM Mikati the French Legion of Honor in tribute to Lebanon
NNA - French President Emmanuel Macron awarded Lebanon's former Prime Minister Najib Mikati the prestigious Legion of Honor in a ceremony held at the Élysée Palace, attended by First Lady Brigitte Macron and members of the Mikati family. In his speech, Macron praised Mikati, saying, "This ceremony is a recognition by France of your person, and through you, a tribute to Lebanon — a country that is deeply dear to our hearts and truly one of a kind." Macron noted that while Lebanon recently marked 50 years since the start of its civil war, "the hopes of the Lebanese people today — and ours as well — are for a future of peace, stability, growth, and coexistence between religions and cultures." He added, "With this medal, we are honoring the statesman in you — particularly for your service over the past few years." Reflecting on their first private meeting, Macron recalled, "We spoke then of the immense challenges ahead for Lebanon, and over the years, I have witnessed your deep sense of national duty and responsibility." He praised Mikati's role in organizing crucial parliamentary elections, maintaining Lebanon's neutrality during regional turmoil, and steering the country through one of its worst crises following the Beirut Port explosion. "You faced one challenge after another, including a two-year presidential vacuum that paralyzed state institutions, and you remained committed to dialogue and the national interest," Macron said. He also commended Mikati's leadership during the recent escalation of violence in 2024, calling his response courageous. "Lebanon was fortunate to have a patriotic statesman like you — a man of balance and peace and a friend of France," Macron said. "Your connection to France is diplomatic, emotional, cultural, and political. You've always worked to strengthen ties between our countries and support a sovereign, free, and pluralistic Lebanon." Macron said, "France appreciates your service to your country, your efforts for regional stability, and your role in deepening the bond between Lebanon and France. It is my honor to present you with this decoration." In his remarks, Mikati said, "It is a great honor to stand before you today and receive this distinguished recognition. But more than a personal tribute, this award reflects the sincere and lasting friendship between our two countries." He called the Legion of Honor "a piece of the spirit of France — a spirit that has shone through the ages and inspired the world." Expressing gratitude, Mikati added, "We have worked side by side over the years, guided by perseverance and determination to serve both our nations. But there is a deep personal bond beyond official relations — a true friendship built on trust, mutual respect, and unwavering loyalty." He emphasized the strong emotional connection the Lebanese people feel toward France. "In our darkest moments, Lebanon has never stood alone. France has always been there — watchful, supportive, and fraternal," Mikati said. He added that receiving the award from Macron carries "a deeply personal significance," recognizing the French president's heartfelt commitment to Lebanon. "You have stood with us during the toughest times, not just as a head of state, but as a true friend." Surrounded by his family, Mikati concluded, "This moment symbolizes France's special place in the hearts of all Lebanese — like a steadfast anchor for a ship in stormy seas. Thank you for this profoundly moving gesture, and above all, thank you for your priceless friendship. Long live the friendship between France and Lebanon."
National News
14-02-2025
- Politics
- National News
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." ========
MTV Lebanon
12-02-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Mikati meets President Aoun, expresses full support for new government
Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited President of the Republic Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace. Following the meeting, Mikati stated, 'It was an honor to meet with His Excellency the President. We discussed the current situation, particularly the developments in southern Lebanon and the upcoming Israeli withdrawal scheduled for February 18.' 'We had a comprehensive discussion on the country's overall situation and the progress of ongoing matters. I wished His Excellency success in enabling the new government to fulfill its promises and implement the president's inaugural speech,' Mikati added. 'We fully support the government because this is in Lebanon's best interest and the well-being of every Lebanese citizen. We pray that the coming days bring further stability and prosperity,' the former PM concluded.
MTV Lebanon
10-02-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Mikati Denounces Netanyahu, Calls for Fair UN Decisions
Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the statement made by the Israeli Prime Minister that "the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia owns enough land to establish a state for the Palestinians." Former Premier Mikati said: "This statement reflects a complete denial of the Palestinian cause and the sacrifices of the Palestinian people for their land, made by thousands of martyrs, wounded and displaced persons in the diaspora. It also ignores the constants of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the right of the Palestinian people to a free and dignified life on their land, which they have a right to and are not an intruder on..." He continued to stress that "this statement also deliberately ignores all Arab peace initiatives, most notably the Beirut Peace Initiative, launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Arab League Summit held in Beirut in March 2002, which calls for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Arab territories occupied since June 5, 1967." Mikati added: "There is no debate about the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, in implementation of international resolutions and adherence to the rights of the Palestinian people that are being violated continuously by Israel. We, in Lebanon, are one of the countries most concerned with this dossier, as Lebanon has been hosting thousands of Palestinian brothers since the beginning of their displacement ordeal, and has paid a heavy price in defense of the Palestinian cause, and shares with the Palestinian brothers the little capabilities Lebanon possesses." Mikati underlined the need to resolve this conflict as the key to solving all the crises in the region, noting that "the continuation of the conflict, without a solution, will plunge the region into successive crises of unpredicted repercussions. "We look to the United Nations to be more just in issuing international resolutions and enforcing their implementation to ensure a just and comprehensive peace in our region," Mikati concluded.
