Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati met with former Presidents Amin Gemayel and Michel Sleiman, along with former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, at the Grand Serail on Wednesday. The meeting, held amid ongoing conflict in Lebanon, provided an opportunity for the prominent political figures to discuss the country’s dire situation.

In a press conference held after the meeting, Siniora underscored the importance of unity among the Lebanese and reiterated the urgent need for the election of a president who has the support of the people.

Siniora also stressed the pressing need to implement United Nations Resolution 1701, particularly in light of Israel's continued hostilities against Lebanon and the mass displacement crisis that the country is witnessing. 

While acknowledging that Lebanon's path to peace would not come swiftly, Siniora expressed hope that international support would follow any Lebanese-led effort to resolve the crisis.

"No one expects the world to act quickly to pull Lebanon out of this crisis. However, there will be a rush to support any Lebanese effort that leads to Lebanon's exit from this major predicament," he said.

He concluded his remarks with a call for caution and responsibility in these difficult times, saying that all local factions ought to do "what is necessary to help Lebanon out of its crisis."

Last month, the trio of political leaders—Gemayel, Sleiman, and Siniora—released a joint statement urging for Lebanon’s salvation and calling for an immediate halt to the Israeli army's attacks on Lebanese civilians. The statement highlighted five key points, including the need for an immediate ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel and the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701.

The joint statement also called for the support of international and Arab communities for Lebanese governmental and parliamentary efforts, stressing the necessity of electing a president who has the confidence of both Parliament and the Lebanese people. Moreover, the statement proposed the formation of a "government of national salvation," tasked with drawing up a comprehensive plan to rebuild Lebanon’s state institutions and repair the damage caused by Israeli attacks, in cooperation with Arab countries.

Additionally, the statement emphasized the importance of restoring Lebanese authority across the country as part of the full implementation of the Taif Agreement, as well as approving an economic and financial reform plan aimed at stabilizing Lebanon’s fragile economy.