Hariri to Visit Syria after Government Gains Vote of Confidence
Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Friday said he will conduct visits to a number of Western and Arab countries, including Syria, after his government gains the Parliament”s vote of confidence.
In a chat with reporters, Hariri said: "We look positively at the step of establishing embassies in the two countries (Lebanon and Syria), and we have to change things in a positive manner, especially that we tried to change using negative means and we did not reach any result."
Answering a question about the ministers who voiced reservations on article six of the ministerial Policy Statement, Hariri said: "I”m an honest person, if I wanted to personally voice reservation, I would”ve done so. But the truth is that even the ministers who voiced reservation will have to defend the ministerial statement and the government at every stake."
"This is the basis of the State”s image and credibility, and any reservation may be recorded inside the cabinet, but outside the cabinet, each minister has to defend the government," added Hariri.
Hariri said the government will have to adapt with the requirements of the coming period, which is a period of openness toward all political factions.
"There are the reconciliations that happened under the auspices of President Michel Suleiman, and all of that leads toward a consensus atmosphere in the country, especially regarding the controversial issues and government”s priorities," added Hariri.
Hariri said he agrees with President Suleiman "on all matters", adding that President Suleiman is the president of "all of Lebanon."
"Each of us has his jurisdiction, and no one should try to stir a dispute between us, especially that the president represents me and all the Lebanese in all international forums," added Hariri.
On the other hand, Hariri denied the reports about a trip to the United States, clarifying that "the visit was possible but still undecided."