NNA - Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, convened at his London residence Friday with Hugh Robertson, British Minister of State, and discussed bilateral relations as well as regional issues, particularly the Syrian crisis and its effects on Lebanon in light of the massive numbers of refugees flocking into the country.


Robertson relayed to Mikati greetings from Foreign Minister William Hague, who expressed deep appreciation of Mikati's role in leading the Lebanese cabinet at the most difficult of times in the country's history.


In turn, Mikati acknowledged Britain's unremitting support of Lebanon, saying, "Lebanon seeks the aid of its friends during these trying times, particularly in solving the corollary of the Syrian crisis, markedly the issue of displaced Syrians."


Mikati emphasized the importance of Britain's support in following up the results of the meeting of International Support Group for Lebanon, which was held in New York on September 25.



===========R.Z.