NNA - Outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati hailed Lebanon's coexistence and called on the Lebanese people to preserve it through anchoring the true Christian-Muslim effective partnership based on equality and mutual respect.



"This unique Christian-Muslim formula is a model for the fraternity prevailing in the Lebanese society," he said.



Mikati spoke during his meeting with a delegation of the Christians of the East headed by Bishop Samir Mazlum.


The delegation invited Mikati to attend the first Conference of the Christians of the East.



Mazloum said this conference aimed at tackling the threats the Christians in the Middle East are facing, not only from the point of view of the observance of their rights, but also from the point of view of their very existence.



Mikati said that Lebanon was in need of this conference, mainly in these times, as he warned of prioritizing the sectarian affiliation over the national one.



The outgoing Premier condemned the killings and attacks against the Churches and holy sites across the world, mainly in Egypt.



Separately, Mikati held a meeting today at the Grand Serail for the Committee tasked with following up on Tripoli's security plan, chaired by Caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel.



The outgoing Premier met afterwards with caretaker Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi and Chairman of the audit bureau Judge Awni Ramadan and other judicial figures.


Conferees handed Mikati with an invitation to attend the 50 anniversary for the establishment of the Judges' Institute, to be held at the Justice Palace under the aegis of President Michel Sleiman.



The International Development Agency (IDA) permanent administrative official, Mark Le Coq, visited Mikati today and was informed about the Syrian refugees' situation.



Mikati reviewed today the latest developments on the domestic scene during his meeting with Minister Ahmad Karami.


=====================L.W.