Mikati, Ashton share views on Mideast turmoil

Prime Minister Najib Mikati received at his residence in London Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.     Discussions between both sides focused on the situation in Lebanon, Middle East and ties with the European Union.      

Mikati and Ashton also touched on the current stability in Lebanon amid the political and security turmoil in the surrounding countries.      

Both sides underlined the need to establish stability in the region with the support of the international community and Europe in particular.     

Mikati assured Ashton that Lebanon is committed to all international resolutions.    

The prime minister stressed that comprehensive peace in the region is key to stability.     

"Peace can only be attained through a solution for the Palestinian question and the full restoration of Arab rights by fully implementing all Security Council resolutions," Mikati said, adding that justice should be selective.     

He called on the European Union to help Lebanon demarcate the maritime border and exclusive economic zone to ensure Lebanon's best economic interests.       

For her part, Ashton expressed understanding for the Lebanese position in respect to some issues in the Middle East, most notably those related to Syria.     

But the European official emphasized at the same time that Lebanon should abide by all Security Council resolutions.     

She added that the Arab League has a major role in solving Middle East problems and helping to usher in a new era in the Arab world.     

-NNA