Lebanon: Aoun, Mikati Resume Government Formation Talks

A handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows (R to L) Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati meeting with President Michel Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of the capital on August 17, 2022. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows (R to L) Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati meeting with President Michel Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of the capital on August 17, 2022. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
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Lebanon: Aoun, Mikati Resume Government Formation Talks

A handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows (R to L) Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati meeting with President Michel Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of the capital on August 17, 2022. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows (R to L) Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati meeting with President Michel Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of the capital on August 17, 2022. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)

Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati has resumed talks with President Michel Aoun on forming a government following weeks of deadlock over disagreements with the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) and the presidency.

In a statement on Wednesday, Baabda Palace said that Aoun met with Mikati to discuss the formation of the new government.

Addressing reporters following the talks, the premier-designate said that the meeting focused on a cabinet lineup that he had presented to Aoun end of June, asserting that their viewpoints were “converging”.

Al-Jadeed channel reported that Mikati has informed the president of the details of the ministerial meeting held on Tuesday, and discussed with him several problems, including oil and electricity.

FPM MP Asaad Dergham said the lineup proposed by Mikati could see some minor amendments in order to form the government.

Separately, the head of the Lebanese Forces party, Samir Geagea, said that work was underway to unify efforts among opposition parties and the new parliament members.

Following a meeting with Sweden’s ambassador to Lebanon, Ann Dismorr, Geagea expressed his rejection to any presidential settlement with the Hezbollah-led coalition.

"The concerns and interests of Hezbollah contradict with the interests of Lebanon," he said.



Vessel and Crew Safe after Incident Southwest of Yemen's Mokha, UKMTO Says

Houthi supporters brandish weapons during a protest against the US and Israel, and in solidarity with the Palestinian people, in Sanaa, Yemen, 28 June 2024. (EPA)
Houthi supporters brandish weapons during a protest against the US and Israel, and in solidarity with the Palestinian people, in Sanaa, Yemen, 28 June 2024. (EPA)
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Vessel and Crew Safe after Incident Southwest of Yemen's Mokha, UKMTO Says

Houthi supporters brandish weapons during a protest against the US and Israel, and in solidarity with the Palestinian people, in Sanaa, Yemen, 28 June 2024. (EPA)
Houthi supporters brandish weapons during a protest against the US and Israel, and in solidarity with the Palestinian people, in Sanaa, Yemen, 28 June 2024. (EPA)

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Sunday it had received a report of an incident 13 nautical miles southwest of Yemen's al-Mokha, but that the vessel and its crew were safe.

An UKMTO advisory note said a merchant vessel had reported being approached by 12 small craft which remained in the vicinity of the vessel for about an hour before leaving the area.

The vessel and crew were reported safe, and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call, the advisory note added.

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi militias have been launching drone and missile strikes in shipping lanes since November, saying that it acts in solidarity with Palestinians in Israel's war in Gaza.

In dozens of attacks, the Houthis have sunk two vessels, seized another and killed at least three seafarers.