NNA - Prime Minister Najib Mikati issued on Sunday the following statement: "On this day, when the people of the wounded South expressed their attachment to their land and identity despite the threats of the Israeli enemy, we extend a salute of respect to our people who are steadfast in their southern land or who were forced by the aggression to be displaced, and particularly those who decided to return today and bravely faced the aggression fire."

He added: "Your patriotism has become an example to be followed and a testimony in blood that no right is lost when there are those who demand it."

Mikati urged "the countries that sponsored the ceasefire agreement to assume their responsibilities in deterring aggression and forcing the Israeli enemy to withdraw from the lands it occupies."

He indicated that this was directly conveyed to the concerned parties, warning that any failure to honor the ceasefire provisions and implementation of Resolution 1701 will have dire consequences.

========R.Sh.