Lebanese Caretaker Prime Minister Mikati Addresses Political Tensions and the Day of Resistance and Liberation

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati congratulated the Lebanese on the Day of Resistance and Liberation, noting that “this victory would not have been possible without the unity of all the Lebanese, and it is our duty today to work to preserve and strengthen this unity.”

During his intervention in the cabinet session, he pointed out that “the convening of our session coincides with a campaign launched against the government by a political team in the country that adopts boycotting the sessions without providing a logical explanation for its position. More than six months have passed since the vacancy in the presidency of the republic, and presidential elections are still ongoing.” The Republic is in the unknown, in light of the terms and conditions opposed to the political factions represented in the House of Representatives.

Mikati stated, “In light of this situation, is the government required to stop the work of institutions and disrupt the interests of the people completely? Does the government bear responsibility for the presidential vacancy, or are the representatives responsible? Who said that the ministers participating in government sessions do not represent all Lebanese segments?” Is it acceptable for the political dispute to reach the point of insulting people’s dignity and their balanced presence in all forums?

He pointed out that “convening the Council of Ministers and conducting government work to keep the institutions cycle in place is not a provocation or a blow to the pact, partnership and the constitution, as some claim. We make the decision to perform i’tikaaf, but is this option in the interest of the country?”

And he considered that “the real strike of the partnership is represented in refraining from carrying out the national and constitutional duty to elect a new president for the republic, especially by the team that weeps over the vacancy of the president’s position and participates in obstructing the election process, and this same team is the one that incites spiritual and political references against the government.” The team that calls for the Council of Ministers not to convene is the same one that demands the inclusion of items in the meeting schedule.

Mikati confirmed, “What is required of those who ask the question whether such sessions, decisions, and such decrees are permissible in the absence of the president, is to first answer the question, why does he participate in obstructing the election of the president, and what is the benefit achieved from obstructing the work of the state, government, and institutions? Does this obstruction serve the election of the president and the partner?” The Lebanese represented by the president?

He addressed the ministers by saying: “I salute all of you and your presence, and this is something that is definitely appreciated by all the Lebanese in particular, and ironically, today marks one year since the government entered the caretaker stage. Also, on behalf of all of you, I salute the Minister of the Displaced in the caretaker government, Issam Charafeddine, and he has all the respect and appreciation.” From us and to whomever he represents, and we are keen to cooperate and move forward with the files that His Excellency started.

Mikati stated, “Two days ago, a campaign was fabricated against the government against the backdrop of news of a decision related to the aid provided to the displaced Syrians. I met today with the UN Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs in Lebanon, and we agreed to develop a constructive formula for progress on this issue, according to the aspirations of the Lebanese state and the public interest.” Noting that the contract signed more than ten years ago with the UNHCR stipulates that aid be given in the currency that the UNHCR deems appropriate. The campaign is surprising because neither His Excellency Minister Hector Hajjar nor I agreed to pay in dollars.”

He pointed out, “I am in the process of calling for a session of the Council of Ministers devoted to the file of the displaced Syrians, in which all points will be presented in preparation for the speech I will deliver at the European Union conference in Brussels on the fifteenth of next month. I assign Minister Sharaf al-Din to make preparations for the ministerial session and the meeting of the ministerial committee.” regarding the file of the displaced, which will be held before the special government session.

Mikati pointed out, “In the matter of the governance of the Banque du Liban, we had discussed the issue at length in the consultative meeting that we held on Monday, and we agreed that the issue is in the hands of the judiciary and in accordance with the provisions of Lebanese law. And she stressed that it is not permissible to appear as if there is a side that wants revenge.” And another wants to secure protection. The easiest thing is to say today to remove the ruler, but out of respect for the institutions and the opinions of the present ministers, and after the deputy prime minister submitted a written memorandum on this file, I will raise the issue for discussion now again to take the appropriate decision.