LONDON: Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in London, where he called for an immediate ceasefire and urged compliance with international law. The meeting was attended by officials from both the United States and Lebanon, including State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller and Lebanon’s Ambassador to the UK, Rami Mortada.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Prime Minister Mikati highlighted the urgent need for a ceasefire, citing the displacement of over 1.4 million Lebanese due to ongoing hostilities. He condemned the actions of Israel as violations of international law, specifically pointing to the targeting of civilians, journalists, and medical personnel. Mikati reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, stressing that Israel must first show genuine commitment to a ceasefire.

In response, Secretary Blinken expressed the United States’ dedication to a diplomatic resolution and affirmed support for an immediate ceas
efire. He emphasized the importance of adhering to international resolutions to maintain regional stability. Blinken also conveyed U.S. support for Lebanon’s government institutions, particularly highlighting the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces in enforcing Resolution 1701.