Mikati: Lebanon will be the first victim should we fail to fund STL

PM Najib Mikati said Tuesday that “Lebanon will be the first victim should we fail to fund the STL, and Israel will be the biggest winner for it will take this evasion as an excuse not to implement U.N. resolution 1701.”  

Mikati said, during a meeting with U.N.-accredited journalists, that the issue of Lebanon’s share of the STL funding will be tackled within the upcoming weeks, stressing that “the STL is a reality; therefore, all related remarks should be filed and submitted to the U.N. for the resolution that established the STL to be amended.” 

Mikati added that in the sidelines of his official visits abroad, he will visit Syria to discuss the maritime borders’ demarcation.

The prime minister had earlier reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to justice and to international resolutions, including resolution 1701 and the STL, as provided for by the ministerial statements of all the successive Lebanese cabinets.

Mikati had reiterated, during the 66th U.N. General Assembly meeting, his call on the international community to exert pressure on Israel in order to implement resolution 1701, halt violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty, by land, sea and air, and cooperate with the UNIFIL to get over with the blue line demarcation. 

Mikati also highlighted Lebanon’s adherence to its maritime rights and offshore wealth.

On the Palestinian statehood bid, Mikati said that Palestine meets all the standards needed for U.N. statehood recognition, given that it is considered a state under the International Law. Mikati elaborated “However, Palestine is an occupied state, and accordingly, we must support the Palestinians’ efforts to put an end to this occupation, to achieve independence and to return to their homeland.”