Prime Minister Najib Mikati received at the Grand Serail on Monday, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, with whom he held an enlarged meeting with the participation of the Lebanese and UN delegations.

PM Mikati said after the meeting that it is vital to thank the UNIFIL forces for the role they play alongside the Lebanese Army in maintaining security and stability in the south and providing safety for our people.

Mikati said, “Lebanon is looking forward to holding Parliamentary elections next year, and the government is determined to hold it on time without any delay, and early next year, it will be inviting the electoral bodies to participate in the electoral process. We look forward to the vigorous support of the United Nations.”

He added: “Lebanon respects the international resolutions and calls on the United Nations to oblige Israel to implement it. We affirm Lebanon’s commitment to the policy of not intervening in other country’s affairs. Our country will be nothing but a unifying factor among Arab brothers, and it is keen on various relations with all its friends in the world.”

He added: “We renew our call to the international community to assume its responsibility in facilitating the return of displaced Syrians to their country, knowing that most of the Syrian regions have become safe.”

In turn, Guterres said: “I visited Lebanon several times in the past, and today I find Lebanon opening its borders to receive the displaced Syrians, and this Lebanese generosity goes back to the most ancient civilizations.”