Miqati Urges Dialogue, Stresses Respect for Financial Obligations

Premier Najib Miqati urged Lebanese leaders on Thursday to hold an honest dialogue that preserves their national unity at a time when the region’s countries are in turmoil.

At the opening of the 2011 Annual Arab Banking Conference held at the Phoenicia hotel in Beirut, Miqati said: “Our main and permanent concern remains the protection of Lebanon.”

“I reiterate my invitation to all political leaderships to engage in an honest and true dialogue that preserves our national unity,” he said.

“There is no alternative to dialogue as a way to consolidate the unity that we are in greatest need of amid the international and regional circumstances that are full of difficulties and challenges,” Miqati said at the conference that is organized by the Union of Arab Banks.

He described dialogue as the key to stability and the door for prosperity.

The prime minister reiterated that Lebanon will continue to implement all international resolutions and respect its financial obligations that would guarantee its national interest.

He seemed to be referring to the controversial issue of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon funding.

Lebanon is responsible for meeting 49 percent of the costs of the STL which is investigating the February 14, 2005 assassination of ex-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and 21 others.

“We continue to implement (Security Council) resolution 1701 to protect Lebanon from any aggression,” Miqati said.

He also stressed the government’s keenness on preserving the role of UNIFIL in protection the South.

The Lebanese government is intensifying its efforts to guarantee a security stability and steer the country clear of the sensitive regional situation, Miqati told the conference.

He added that Lebanon is making efforts to improve its credibility and ties with other countries in the economic, financial and banking sectors.