Miqati Meets al-Rahi: We Enjoy Excellent Ties with Berri, Aoun is Our Partner in Govt.

Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Saturday that any dispute with Speaker Nabih Berri would be short-lived, warning opponents against banking on any disputes emerging between them.

He said: “I enjoy excellent ties with Berri and Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun is our partner in government.”

He made his remarks after holding talks in al-Diman with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi during his annual visit to the patriarch’s summer residence.

The premier was accompanied on his visit by 14 ministers who included ministers Ahmed Karami, Salim Jreissati, Shakib Qortbawi, Walid al-Daouq, Jebran Bassil, Vrej Sabounjian, Gaby Layyoun, and Fayez Ghosn.

Miqati kicked off his visit by holding a closed-door meeting with al-Rahi, before holding expanded talks with the ministers.

He told reporters after the second meeting that the talks focused on local and regional developments.

“We were in agreement over the need to maintain the Lebanese people’s unity,” he stressed.

“We take any reservations on the government’s actions into consideration,” he added.

Media reports said that Miqati had thanked al-Rahi for his “understanding” of the government’s performance during this “critical time.”

On his ties with Aoun, he said: “Relations with the MP are good and mistrust has not emerged between us.”

The prime minister and patriarch also addressed Pope Benedict XVI’s upcoming visit to Lebanon.

“All the Lebanese without exception welcome this visit,” declared Miqati before reporters.

Al-Rahi is later expected to throw a luncheon banquet in the premier’s honor.

The pope is scheduled to visit Lebanon from September 14 to 16.