Hariri Won”t Shift Stance on “Lebanon First,” Won”t Modify Cabinet Deal, Says Aoun Remains Only Obstacle
Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri has reportedly confirmed there was "no problem" with Druze leader Walid Jumblat, stressing, however, that the only obstacle to the formation of a national unity government was Free Patriotic Movement Michel Aoun”s ambitious and impossible-to-implement demand for the appointment of election losers.
The daily As-Safir on Tuesday, citing Hariri visitors, quoted the Premier-designate as saying there were "no new obstacles" facing the Cabinet lineup "except for Michel Aoun”s impossible-to-implement demands."
Hariri was said to have totally rejected the issue of bringing into Cabinet losers in the parliamentary elections, in a clear attempt to thwart the appointment of Aoun”s son-in-law Jebran Bassil in the new government.
"There is no problem between us and Walid bek," Hariri has purportedly told visitors, hinting at the possibility of a meeting soon of the March 14 leadership.
Hariri, according to Ad-Diyar newspaper, had told Public Works Minister Ghazi Aridi prior to his trip to southern France on family vacation that "Walid bek has the right to say what he wants. But I also have the right to go away and see things from afar."
The Premier-designate made it a point to assure Aridi that he is aware that Jumblat has for a while been trying to reactivate channels with Syria "via more than one mediator and without letting me know."
"I, however, used to brief him on all of my details, especially those related to Syria," As-Safir quoted Hariri as telling Aridi.
Hariri stressed that "no matter what, I will not shift my stance on Lebanon First."
"I am with Palestine and Arabism, but I am with my country first; and this needs requirements for the implementation of this slogan," Hariri added.