Miqati Won't Accept PM's Post Unless there is 'Consensus' on His Nomination

Caretaker PM Najib Miqati stressed on Thursday that he will not accept to be nominated to lead the new government unless there was consensual agreement on him among political parties.

“I thank everyone who wanted to name me to lead the new cabinet but I will not accept this honor unless I gained the approval and consensus of all parties,” said Miqati in a statement.

“When I submitted my resignation, I had a belief that this would break the political deadlock. I had hopes that my resignation would open a new opportunity for political parties to reach common ground to confront the dangers threatening our country and distance it from being dragged to the abyss,” added Miqati.

Assuring that he exerted strenuous efforts not to take sides during his term, he said: “All through my tenure I tried my best not to be dragged into political alignments that could increase the rift between the Lebanese.

“Today I call all factions to commit to the standards of national consensus to save Lebanon. I have always stressed that any government to be formed should be a national salvation one that represents all factions,” added the caretaker PM.

He concluded voicing hopes to prioritize Lebanon's interest above everything else.

His resignation came hours after President Michel Suleiman suspended cabinet sessions for failing to pass a decision on the formation of an elections committee to supervise the upcoming parliamentary polls.

Media reports have said that MP Tamman Salam will likely receive the backing of the majority of parliamentary blocs and independent MPs.

Salam held talks with Al-Mustaqbal movement leader ex PM Saad Hariri in Riyadh on Thursday, a sign that the March 14 opposition alliance will name him along with the centrist Progressive Socialist Party of Walid Jumblat to lead the new government.

The coalition will officially announce its pick for the PM's post during a meeting at the Center House on Thursday night.