Mikati reveals intensive international ceasefire contacts held ahead of UNSC meeting

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Thursday revealed that intensive international diplomatic contacts have been held ahead of the UN Security Council meeting, seeking a ceasefire and further pressure to halt the Israeli aggression against Lebanon. 'There are contacts being held between the US and France, which requested the Security Council's session, in order to revive the temporary ceasefire declaration to allow the resumption of the discussion of the political solutions,' Mikati told his visitors. 'We have reiterated, during the diplomatic contacts, our readiness to implement Resolution 1701 provided that Israel abides by all its provisions. We also stressed the priority to halt the Israeli aggression,' he said, adding that Israel's attacks on civilians, and rescue and relief workers violate the international laws. 'Violence, carnage and destruction will not lead to a solution,' he underlined. 'Israel must be forced to cease its destructive aggression,' he said. Source: National News Agency - Le banon