British Official Hails Miqati’s Efforts to Maintain Stability in Lebanon

British Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Alistair Burt hailed on Friday the efforts exerted by Prime Minister Najib Miqati to maintain stability in Lebanon.

“The meeting with the premier was excellent,” Burt told reporters at the Grand Serail.

He expressed his country’s relief for the stable situation in Lebanon amid the “difficult times the region is passing through.”

Burt said that the two discussed the “strong” bilateral relations between the two countries.

“The meeting tackled the crisis in Syria and we expressed our concerns about the situation,” the official said.

He noted that his country will continue to financially support the Syrian refugees who are entering Lebanon fleeing the year-long turmoil in their country.

Burt said that he discussed with Miqati the conditions of the Palestinian refugees, their rights, and the possible ways to improve their situation in the refugee camps.

The meeting was held in the presence of British Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher.

Burt arrived in Beirut on Thursday for a two-day official visit.

He told reporters at Beirut Rafik Hariri International airport that he was looking forward to discuss with Lebanese officials “the vital foreign issues, including the possible ways to end the horrible violence in Syria.”

According to As Safir newspaper Burt stressed his country’s commitment to consolidate Lebanon’s independence and stability.

The British official noted that discussions with the officials will tackle the peace process in the Middle East and the conditions of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, the daily said.

Concerning the economic ties between the two countries, Burt said his meeting with Lebanese businessmen would be a chance to introduce them to trade opportunities with Britain.

He also urged the Lebanese people to participate in the London 2012 Olympics.