Statement following Taoiseach Simon Harris’s meeting with Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon

The Taoiseach was pleased to welcome the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, to Government Buildings, in the first visit by a Lebanese Prime Minister to Ireland.

The leaders had a substantive discussion, in which the Prime Minister offered the Taoiseach a sobering assessment of the situation on the ground and the challenges his government faces in managing the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, including the needs of the very large number of displaced people.

The leaders agreed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and the full and faithful implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

The Prime Minister also expressed his strong gratitude to Ireland for its commitment to Lebanon over the decades, and for its strong solidarity at this most difficult time. He paid special tribute to the role of UNIFIL, and the Irish Defence Forces personnel serving with it.

In addition to offering the Prime Minister his support and solidarity, the Taoiseach stressed the paramount importance of ensuring the safety of UNIFIL peacekeepers and protecting their ability to fulfil their mandate.

He also raised the case of Private Sean Rooney, expressing his hope that the legal proceedings in the case can advance as quickly as possible.

Speaking after the meeting, the Taoiseach said:

"I had a very good meeting with Prime Minister Mikati, thanking him for making a visit to Dublin at what is a very difficult time for his country.

"We discussed the deeply concerning escalation of violence in Lebanon and the devasting impact it is having on civilians. I offered my sympathies to Prime Minister Mikati and the people of Lebanon on the loss of civilian lives and on the appalling level of destruction.

"I reiterated my call for a ceasefire that can allow people return to their homes and that it must be based on full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The attacks by all sides must end.

"I reassured Prime Minister Mikati that the people of Lebanon can rely on the support and solidarity of Ireland. At this week's conference in Paris on assistance for Lebanon, Ireland pledged an additional €5 million on top of €1 million announced for Lebanon last month, bringing the total of Ireland's support to €10 million in 2024. Ireland will continue to support those most in need across the region.

"The Prime Minister and I also discussed the safety of our peacekeepers serving in UNIFIL, which is of paramount importance. The targeting of peacekeepers is a violation of international humanitarian law and cannot be accepted. Israel and Hezbollah have an obligation to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers.

"I also raised the case of the death of Private Sean Rooney and my disappointment at the slow progress of the legal proceedings. This is a cause a great heartbreak for Sean's family who deserve, at the very least, truth and justice."