Mikati: The unified Lebanese people are adhered to their rights and demands

BEIRUT, Oct. 12 (YPA) – Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed hopes that “the file of demarcating the Lebanese maritime borders will reach its end soon, after the efforts made by the American mediator, Amos Hochstein, succeeded in reaching a draft agreement that preserved Lebanese rights.”

While receiving from Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab a copy of the final draft of the agreement this morning in the Grand Serail, Prime Minister Mikati said: “The unified Lebanese position in this file and Lebanon’s adherence to its rights and demands led to this positive result, and we all hope that matters will reach their conclusions and then direct.” the operational steps to explore for gas in Lebanese waters.

President Mikati thanked the US administration for “the effort it made in achieving what was achieved, especially Mr. Amos Hochstein, who led the negotiation process with precision, professionalism and patience.”

Following this statement, Mikati met with Energy Minister Walid Fayad, along with a delegation from French oil giant Total, comprising Total Lebanon Chairman Romain de La Martiniere, Head of TotalEnergies Exploration and Production Branch Laurent Vivier, and TotalEnergies Director of North Africa and Yemen Jean Jaylet.

During the meeting, Mikati requested that Total immediately proceeds with drilling for gas in Lebanese waters, while Energy Minister Walid Fayad stressed his country’s right to the full share of the Qana field, without sharing it, in addition to the need to hastily begin drilling.

E.M