Mikati 'hasn't heard' of Israel freedom of action condition

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has said that “U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein will visit Lebanon soon” and that “the ambiguous files will be resolved face to face.”

“Lebanon’s response to the U.S. paper was positive, but some points need discussion, and we hope to reach a ceasefire in Lebanon as soon as possible,” Mikati said in an interview on Al Araby TV.

“To us the main point in the U.S. draft is the implementation of Resolution 1701 and Lebanon is committed to its implementation. Our aim is for it to be implemented south of Litani as stipulated and we must achieve stability and halt destruction and bloodshed in south Lebanon,” Mikati added.

Noting that Speaker Nabih Berri is leading the negotiations with Hochstein and that he is in constant contact with him, the premier said he has not heard about an Israeli condition related to granting Israel the freedom of military action in Lebanon.

“This is mere speculation,” he added.

“What matters to me is to enhance the presence of the army in the Lebanese south and the exclusive presence of the state’s weapons,” Mikati went on to say.

He also stressed that the Israeli army must withdraw from every inch of Lebanese territory.