Reports: Miqati Wants Hariri to Participate in Upcoming Elections

Prime Minister Najib Miqati is keen on holding the elections on time and sees the participation of al-Mustaqbal Movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri as indispensable, sources said.

Miqati's sources told al-Joumhouria newspaper, in remarks published Tuesday, that Miqati thinks it is necessary for Hariri to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections in person or through his bloc.

"Hariri's presence in Lebanon is very important and crucial at this stage," Miqati reportedly said.

He also affirmed, according to the sources, being on good terms with President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and praised the Shiite Duo's decision to return to Cabinet.

MP Hadi Hbeish had said it is "most likely" that Hariri will not personally run in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

"This information has become almost certain, while the issue of running in elections in the regions will be the subject of serious discussions with him," Hbeish added.