Miqati from Tripoli: Lebanon Will Not Become Victim of Powers Seeking to Split Spoils

Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Thursday that he is keen on safeguarding Lebanon and its constitution.

He said during a ceremony on the expansion of the Tripoli Port: “Lebanon will not become a victim of powers seeking to split the spoils.”

Addressing his decision to suspend cabinet sessions, he remarked: “I am still open to calm dialogue, but issues that are linked to the constitution and reform should not be dealt with lightly.”

“I have been the victim of several fraudulent claims over the past few months, but I overcame them for the sake of the country because I seek to establish and maintain stability in Lebanon,” he cadded.

“Some sides are seeking to obstruct cabinet’s work and in the name of all Lebanese, we reject such attempts,” he continued.

“We will not resign from our duties in serving the nation, but it is time that cabinet became productive and effective,” said the premier.

“It should not be an open ground for settling scores and petty disputes, which is why I decided to suspend Wednesday’s session until an agreement is reached on how to revitalize the government’s productivity,” Miqati explained.

“We are counting on all sides to fulfill their duties towards their country because Lebanon cannot tolerate more disputes,” he declared.

“Lebanon will regain its position as an economic and service hub in the region and we hope the expansion of the Tripoli Port will be a step in that direction,” he noted.

On Wednesday, Miqati suspended a cabinet session at the Baabda Palace over an ongoing dispute over the issue of administrative appointments.

The suspension was prompted when Free Patriotic Movement ministers walked out from Wednesday’s session.

“The move is meant to push everyone to act responsibly and use their energy positively, towards the smooth run of state affairs not the opposite,” the prime minister said on his Twitter account on Wednesday.

A dispute between President Michel Suleiman and FPM leader MP Michel Aoun over shares allotted to Christians has prevented consensus over administrative appointments, leaving several high-ranking posts vacant.