Report: Miqati Says March 14 Statement Does Not Serve Efforts to Reach Calm
Prime Minister Najib Miqati reportedly criticized the March 14 camp's statement that was issued on Tuesday announcing its boycott of government activity, saying that national matters cannot be tackled “impulsively,” reported As Safir newspaper on Wednesday.
His circles told the daily: “The statement does not serve efforts to reach calm in Lebanon.”
The premier had earlier told his visitors on Tuesday that national affairs cannot be tackled through arrogance.
He stressed the need for all sides to assume their responsibilities “because the current situation requires it.”
“The country cannot be left in a vacuum that can lead to chaos,” added Miqati.
“All leaderships should return to the national dialogue instead of resorting to negativity and boycotts,” he stated before his visitors.
The March 14 forces on Tuesday declared a “total boycott” of Miqati's government, calling for a “neutral, salvation government that endorses the Baabda Declaration as its ministerial Policy Statement.”
“We will not tolerate that our rejection of the dangerous situation be depicted as a battle to return to power or to the premiership,” the March camp said in a statement issued after a broad meeting for its leaders at the Center House in downtown Beirut.
The Baabda Declaration was reached during the first national dialogue session that was held in June after a 19-month absence.
The Declaration, issued on June 11, calls for political and media calm in Lebanon, supporting the army, and keeping Lebanon away from regional and international disputes.
March 14 sources meanwhile told As Safir that the Center House meeting will pave the way for a political confrontation with the government and “its internal and regional sponsors.”
“Ignoring its content will lead to severe consequences on Lebanon,” they added.
“Miqati and his allies' insistence on preserving the government and their unilateral actions will lead to complete paralysis in Lebanon and harm other sensitive balances in the country,” they remarked.
The sources revealed that tangible measures will be taken gradually to pressure the government, adding that the March 14 camp is determined “to wage the political battle against the cabinet and its protectors until the end should its demand for the formation of a salvation government be ignored.”
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