Miqati Assigned for Premiership, To Start Consultations Thursday over Government Formation

Local Editor

Right after the Parliamentary Consultations came to an end, settling with 68 votes for Najib Miqati and 60 for former PM Saad Hariri, Lebanese Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri met with Najib Miqati, after which the Presidential General Directorate issued a statement assigning Najib Miqati as new Prime Minister to form the new government.

The PM elect said in a speech after his assigning in Baabda, that tomorrow, Wednesday, he will start his traditional visits to former PMs, adding that on Thursday he will start the parliamentary consultations on Thursday.

Miqati hoped that this would lead to the birth of a new government that confronts with an overall national responsibility, challenges that could face Lebanon.

Miqati confirmed that the consultations are not a victory for a team against the other, stressing that there will be no plots while he is practicing his responsibilities.

PM Najib Miqati added that he will not once hesitate in achieving the right and attaining justice, pointing out he will remain as he were in his political stances, hence strictly towards national interests of his country.

Miqati addressed an honest appeal to all parties to overcome all considerations and take part in the joint exercises, which are based on basics agreed upon by the Lebanese.

PM elect Miqati reaffirmed that he is ready to help all the Lebanese, whether Muslims or Christians, in order to build and not demolish, and to hold dialogue and not quarrel.

In this context, PM Najib Miqati urged the Lebanese to learn from their history and its lessons in order to save Lebanon and its people.

Furthermore, Miqati said he confirmed to President Suleiman that the cooperation will be in its outmost level for a government that maintains and achieves solidarity among its people, and also protects the coexistence equation.

Najib Miqati referred that there is no excuse for any political team to refuse taking part in what he calls, the "rescuing workshop".

He stated, "I am certain that the government I look forward to forming will specify in its ministerial statement the major rules of its policies, especially regarding the economic and living concerns, which come on top of my concerns."

"We will seek achieving sustainable development to insure new job opportunities, and the ministers' opinions will have great level of interaction", the new Lebanese PM affirmed.

He also pointed out that he will form a government that protects the coexistence, stating he is looking forward to see this government to be formed, confront with responsibility all challenges faced.