Miqati Denies Dispute with Berri but Holds onto Conviction in Constitutionality Row

Caretaker Premier Najib Miqati denied an alleged dispute with Speaker Nabih Berri, saying their differences lied on the constitutionality of a parliamentary session amid a resigned government.

“There are differences between the executive and legislative branches on the interpretation of the constitution,” Miqati told As Safir newspaper in an interview published on Tuesday.

“These differences do not lead to a dispute,” he stressed, saying “I appreciate (Speaker) Berri and I respect him.”

Miqati shrugged off accusations that he was obstructing a parliamentary session, reiterating that there should be a balance in the powers of the legislature and the government.

“Holding a parliamentary session with an open agenda amid a resigned cabinet would mean an imbalance in the two powers,” he said.

Miqati has rejected to attend Tuesday's session, boycotting it for the second time in a row.

Berri has put 45 draft-laws on the agenda, including the extension of Army chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji's mandate.

Asked whether he thought the failure of parliament to hold a session would paralyze the extension, Miqati said: “We are currently committed to finding legal solutions that would allow Gen. Qahwaji to remain in his post.”

He said however that “the best option would be the implementation of the law and making a new appointment.”

The caretaker premier also denied that his boycott of the parliamentary session was aimed at appeasing MP Fouad Saniora, the head of al-Mustaqbal parliamentary bloc, which has also decided to boycott the General Assembly.

“I have my personal convictions … and I am not trying to satisfy anyone with my decision,” Miqati said.

He described his presence in the Grand Serail despite his resignation as “an administrative house arrest.”

“I am fully assuming my responsibilities at this delicate stage and I am managing the state affairs pending the formation of a new cabinet,” he said.

Miqati called for the quick formation of the government despite several obstacles facing Premier-designate Tammam Salam.

“We can't sat aside anyone. I had hoped my government would be all-embracing but unfortunately the March 14 (alliance) refused to participate in it.”

The same coalition is now calling on Salam to keep Hizbullah away from his new government over the party's participation in the war in Syria alongside President Bashar Assad's troops.