Aoun says new govt. still possible, urges against escalation over Hajj case

President Michel Aoun on Tuesday voiced concern that a new government might not be formed in the few remaining weeks of his tenure as he noted that there is still “hope” to see that happening.

Aoun added that PM-designate Najib Mikati had called him prior to his vacation to tell him that he would visit him upon his return, something that “has not happened.”

“Until now, any communication has not taken place,” Aoun told his visitors, according to the al-Intichar news portal.

As for the line-up that was submitted by Mikati, Aoun lamented that the PM-designate did not discuss it with him “according to norms, rules and partnership necessities.”

Turning to the controversy over the interrogation and summoning of Archbishop Moussa al-Hajj following his return from Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, the President said that the issue is being resolved.

“Some stances launched by some parties made the case take another direction and the case must be returned to its real context instead of deviating it to other things,” Aoun added.

“The issue is in the hands of the judiciary and no one should interfere in it, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigations,” the President went on to say, rejecting “the launching of any treason or collaboration accusations before the crystallization of all details.”

As for the issue of sea border demarcation with Israel, Aoun expressed optimism that a solution that would “satisfy Lebanon” is imminent.