Mikati holds a series of meetings in Riyadh

Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, began Sunday a series of meetings in the Saudi Capital, Riyadh. Mikati is currently heading Lebanon's official delegation to the Arab Socio-Economic Development Summit, which shall open its works on Monday in the Saudi Capital. In this framework, Mikati visited Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, at his place of stay in Riyadh. Palestinian Prime Minister, Salam Fayyad, and members of both the Lebanese & Palestinian delegations attended the meeting. Talks centered on the Arab situation, in general, and Palestinian conditions, in particular. Following the meeting, President Abbas stated that talks touched on the Palestinian cause and the Lebanese-Palestinian vision vis-a-vis said cause. He added that discussions also tackled the general situation in the region, especially in Syria, and the implications of the Syrian crisis on both Lebanon and Palestine. Abbas added that discussions also touched on the conditions of Palestinian refugees inside Lebanon, especially those who have recently entered Lebanon for purpose of escaping from the Syrian crisis. He stressed, herein, that all refugees in Lebanon ought to return, in the end, to their homeland, Palestine. Over the Israeli settlements issue, Abbas considered that in the absence of a just and fair position by the International Community, especially the United States, against Israel's acts, the latter shall pursue its plots till the end. Hence, the Israeli government ought to be stopped with regards to widening its settlements, Abbas noted. Earlier, PM Mikati held talks with Arab League Secretary General, Nabil Al-Arabi. On emerging, Al-Arabi told press attendants that his fruitful meeting with PM Mikati shed light on the problems witnessed in the Arab world. He added that ongoing events in the region always result in huge repercussions on numerous countries, including Lebanon. He described the situation in Syria as an endless tragedy; regretfully stating that he lacked hope in any positive developments in the near future in Syria. Over Syrians seeking refuge in Lebanon and neighboring countries, Al-Arabi considered that the solution to this problem relies on the Syrian situation itself. However, he unfortunately added that there seems to be no relief in this respect any soon! Moreover, he disclosed that this matter shall be settled in the upcoming joint meeting called for by Kuwaiti Prime and UN Secretary General in Kuwait, with the participation of Donor Countries, scheduled to take place at the end of the current month.