Mikati voices strong support for deal proposed by Hochstein
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has said in an interview with The Washington Post that his “priority” is the “full implementation” of Resolution 1701, which calls for disarmament of Hezbollah in the south.
The prime minister voiced strong support for each key provision of a deal he said U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein has proposed, including Lebanese Army deployment in South Lebanon, and a monitoring mechanism to ensure there’s a quick international response if the Lebanese Army can’t stop Hezbollah.
Mikati meanwhile favors extending Army chief General Joseph Aoun’s term as army commander, which expires in January, because “we don’t change our officers in the middle of a battle.” But for president, he said Lebanon needs a “consensus” leader. “We are still divided” on who that should be, the prime minister told The Washington Post.
Mikati also stressed the importance of seizing the moment for political reconstruction. “Lebanon is known for missing opportunities,” he said. “But I hope we will learn from this history and take the chance that we now have.”
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