President Michel Aoun met on Thursday at the Baabda Presidential Palace with Prime Minister Najib Mikati upon his return from his trip overseas.
Following the meeting, Mikati said that he discussed with President Aoun the crisis that the country is facing with the Gulf countries.
Mikati added that they agreed on a roadmap to solve the crisis, stressing that he would hold a press conference at the Grand Serail later in the day.
“I also briefed President Aoun on my trip to Glasgow and my meetings with various Arab and International sides,” Mikati concluded by saying.
Later in the day, PM Mikati held a press conference at the Grand Serail whereby he noted that his government was formed in order to help the country recover from its economic crisis.
“However, the government faced a new challenge due to personal stances taken by Minister of Information Georges Kordahi before his appointment,” he added.
Mikati stressed that such stances led to Lebanon being boycotted by Saudi Arabia and some Arab Gulf states.
“He who thinks that he is able to impose his opinion by force of disruption and verbal escalation is mistaken,” he added.
Mikati voiced determination "to address the relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the sisterly Gulf states in accordance with the proper rules.”
“We will never leave this file subject to political bickering, and we will work with all loyal people, to reverse the decisions taken in a way that restores the smoothness of Lebanese relations with its natural Arab extension."
Mikati concluded by reiterating his call to Kordahi to listen to his conscience, to evaluate the circumstances, to take the stance he should take, and to prioritize the national interest over popular slogans.”