Mikati: We must stick to Vienna Conventions

Lebanese PM Naguib Mikati has urged all foreign diplomatic institutions to commit to the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations, and  related Lebanese laws,  to ensure there are no negative issues between their countries and Lebanon. Mikati also called for all Lebanese political parties to be aware of their responsibilities, and avoid using any sectarian overtones, which could place national unity and Lebanese interests in danger, and negatively affect relations between Lebanon and its friends and neighbours. In a statement issued by the media minister Walid Al-Dauoq to foreign embassies,   he appealed for support “for the efforts of our national security institutions, which are working to monitor the situation along our borders and ensure a secure life for our citizens.” The President has asked the Supreme Council of Defence to convene in Baabda Palace on Thursday afternoon to discuss the situation and give orders to the relative legal and security institutions “to coordinate and stand firm” against any border incursions. On the question of whether the statement was singling out the US ambassador in its appeal for  assistance to open refugee camps for the displaced persons arriving across the border from Syria,  Al-Dauoq responded that it was “a general note” and not referring to any specific country.