Mikati says told Iran leaders to 'lower their sympathy' toward Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has stressed that the only solution to the current conflict is “diplomacy.”

The solution of diplomacy is “still on the table, so why don’t we save time and avoid further killing and destruction?” Mikati wondered during an interview with Al-Arabiya.

“Resolution 1701 is a firm resolution and it can achieve long-term stability on the border, and we are keen on it. The Document of National Accord from which the constitution stemmed also calls for extending the state’s authority across Lebanon and we must continue the implementation of this document,” Mikati added.

Noting that Hezbollah “has agreed to the implementation of Resolution 1701,” the premier also called for “halting the Israeli aggression and the territorial, naval and aerial violations that have continued ever since the resolution was issued.”

Revealing that he has not communicated with Hezbollah since mid-September, Mikati pointed out that he is in “daily coordination” with Speaker Nabih Berri.

“Hezbollah is represented in the government and it had agreed to the latest decision that we took as to asking the U.N. Security Council to issue a resolution calling for a full and instant ceasefire,” Mikati added.

Responding to a question, Mikati said “there is no alternative to Resolution 1701 and no presence of a new U.N. resolution.” He, however, added that “new understandings” can be reached in order to implement the resolution.

As for his latest criticism of Iran, the prime minister said: “I have told the Iranian leaders to lower their sympathy toward Lebanon.”

“I have personally reviewed Iranian Shoura Council Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf’s interview and I voiced my objection and the message has been delivered,” Mikati added.

“I understand that Iran might voice support for negotiations, but no one can speak on behalf of the Lebanese state,” Mikati underscored.