Consultations to Form New Govt. Start next Week as Miqati Says Resignation 'Protects Lebanon'
Consultations to form a new government are expected to kick off next week in light of Prime Minister Najib Miqati's resignation on Friday, reported various media outlets Saturday.
The premier told the daily: “I decided to resign because I believe it is the best way to protect Lebanon.”
“History will judge whether I made the right decision,” he added.
Miqati is expected to meet with President Michel Suleiman Saturday in order to submit his written resignation.
Meanwhile, An Nahar daily Saturday said that consultations to form a new government will not begin before mid next week due to Suleiman's presence abroad.
The president is scheduled to attend an Arab League summit in Qatar on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Miqati announced his resignation on Friday night in light of the cabinet's failure to approve the decisions to form of an authority to oversee the parliamentary elections and extend the term of Internal Security Forces chief Ashraf Rifi.
He said that all political powers “must assume their responsibilities in order to steer Lebanon away from the unknown.”
Reactions to Miqati's step were mixed with some sides calling for the formation of a salvation government and others condemning his step at such a critical time in the region and ahead of the parliamentary elections, which are scheduled for June 9.
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