Miqati Supports Naming Salam to Premiership

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati revealed on Friday that he will name Beirut MP Tammam Salam to the premiership during the binding consultations.

“I hope he gets the majority of votes and the rival parties reach consensus on his candidacy,” Miqati said in comments published in An Nahar newspaper.

He expressed hope that the new government would oversee the upcoming parliamentary elections according to an electoral law that is based on the national pact.

Miqati said 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.

The resignation of Miqati in March 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.

The March 14 alliance named on Thursday Salam to the premiership in a meeting at the Center House.

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

Meanwhile, sources close to Suleiman told An Nahar that he was a main supporter to the naming of Salam by the March 14 opposition.

The sources voiced hope that the new PM-designate would be agreed upon by all foes and would be able to overcome the delicate situation the country is passing through.

Binding parliamentary consultations to name a new premier are scheduled to be held on Friday and Saturday with Suleiman at the Baabda Palace.