Arab League Chief, Lebanese PM Najib Hold Talks in Beirut

Lebanese Prime Minister (PM) Najib Mikati met with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit on Monday in Beirut.

The meeting was attended by Assistant Secretary-General Ambassador Hossam Zaki and the head of the Arab League Center in Beirut, Ambassador Abdul Rahman Al-Solh.

Also present were Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers Judge Mahmoud Makkiyah and Prime Minister Mikati’s advisors, former minister Nicolas Nahas and Ambassador Boutros Assaker, according to a statement from the Lebanese Council of Ministers.

Aboul Gheit stated, "My visit to Lebanon today is to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Lebanese people, the Lebanese government, and the Lebanese President on the election of a new president for Lebanon, President Joseph Aoun."

He expressed his delight at the recent positive developments for the Lebanese state and people and hoped for consensus on appointing a new Prime Minister.

He added that once the pillars of the Lebanese state are complete, Lebanon would be ready for a new phase to address and resolve the many challenges it has faced over the years.

When asked about his expectations for the next Prime Minister, Aboul Gheit said, "I don’t know and cannot speculate. The matter is in the hands of Parliament, and the decision rests with them. There will be no discussions until the final decision is revealed later this evening."