Miqati Arrives in Rome, Reiterates his Commitment to STL

Premier Najib Miqati reiterated from Rome that he would resign if the cabinet failed to approve the funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

“No one should meddle in the jurisdictions of the premier,” Miqati’s sources told state run Tele Liban TV station.

The premier has hinted that he would resign if the government failed to approve the payment of 49 percent of Lebanon’s share to the tribunal that is set to try ex-Premier Rafik Hariri’s suspected assassins.

Miqati announced earlier on Sunday via twitter that he had arrived in Rome and is scheduled to hold talks with Pope Benedict XVI on Monday.

“Just landed in Rome, Italy on a sunny day with 18C temp,” he said.

He tweeted that he had a fairly busy schedule and a meeting with the pope on Monday.

Miqati also extended his greetings to the Lebanese on the occasion of the Islamic New Year, hoping that Lebanon would always enjoy stability.

“I already miss Lebanon and hope our beloved country will always be blessed with peace, tranquility, stability and advancement,” he said.

A cabinet session on the funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is scheduled to be held on Wednesday after Miqati’s return from Rome.

Miqati confirmed he would be back to Beirut before Wednesday, saying “Anyway, I'll always be there for YOU, beloved Lebanese people, no matter what.”