Mikati slams claims of Iranian weapons at Beirut airport as untrue

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Dec 2022 19:06

Lebanese caretaker PM Najib Mikati denies media reports that the Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut is being used to smuggle Iranian weapons into Lebanon.

Lebanese caretaker PM Najib Mikati

Lebanese caretaker PM Najib Mikati denied on Monday that Beirut airport is being used for smuggling Iranian weapons, following Israeli media allegations.

During his meeting with a delegation from the Editors’ Syndicate Council at the Grand Serail today, Mikati said, "I spoke with the army commander and the top security officials last week, and they all verified that the investigations showed what was alleged to be false and that no weapons were brought into the airport."

Mikati’s remarks came after “Israel” threatened to strike Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, according to Israeli media, under the pretext that it was used to transfer weapons, similar to the strikes it conducts on Damascus airport.

Regarding the UNIFIL incident, the Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister assured that "the army is holding the necessary investigations into the UNIFIL incident in the South, which led to the death of a member of the Irish battalion and the wounding of three others, and we hope to reach an outcome soon."

“The incident must be taken seriously, and a full investigation and accountability should be conducted,” he added.

Responding to a question, Mikati said, “Given that the incident occurred outside UNIFIL’s area of operations, it is likely that it was not planned.”

On the issue of holding new cabinet sessions, he commented by saying, "When necessary and needed, I will call the cabinet to convene, according to the constitutional powers entrusted to me, but at the present time, there is nothing urgent that calls for holding a session."

Additionally, he emphasized that the prime minister alone is responsible for setting the Cabinet's agenda and that no other party is involved.