Aoun Cooperates with Hariri to Form Strong, Balanced Government

Once again, the opposition seemed to be on Tuesday united, harmonious and rational on the eve of the launch of another round of consultations with Prime Minister-Designate Saad Hariri over the government formation process.

Five main opposition figures met on Tuesday to discuss latest developments as well as preparations for Thursday's expected meeting with Hariri.

Following the meeting, Head of the Patriotic movement General Michel Aoun spoke to reporters and reiterated the opposition's readiness to spare all efforts to facilitate the government formation process. Aoun said that the opposition was cooperating with the PM-designate to form a strong and balanced government. "This cannot be achieved unless laws and the constitution are respected."

The Free Patriotic Movement leader said that he did not mind if the PM-designate appointed a candidate that had lost the elections, noting that the issue was the PM-Designate's problem. "Let Hariri appoint any election loser from his team ... We are a victorious party" anyhow, he pointed out.

Aoun said he will meet again with the PM-designate on Thursday. "During our first meeting, Hariri asked us questions. We will ask him questions too," the General told reporters.

Finally turning to the meeting between Syrian President Bashar Assad and Saudi King Abdullah, Aoun said: "No matter what its nature was, it wouldn't solve our internal problems."