Prime Minister Warns Cabinet Credibility at Risk
Premier Najib Miqati said Tuesday that Lebanese leaders should refrain from expressing viewpoints that would draw criticism against the government and accusations of lack of credibility.
“The dangers surrounding us should prevent us from expressing personal viewpoints … that would allow some parties to have doubts in the government's credibility,” Miqati told a cabinet session held at the Grand Serail.
“We should keep Lebanon away from the policy of axes and commit to the Baabda Declaration at this critical stage in the region,” he said.
“The government is committed to distancing itself from the policy of axes,” Miqati stressed.
Last week, Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour called on Arab foreign ministers gathered in Cairo to allow the Syrian government retake its seat at the Arab League.
The League, which suspended Syria in November 2011, said at the time the suspension would apply until President Bashar Assad implemented an Arab deal to end violence against protesters.
A year later, the League recognized the Syrian National Coalition headed by Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib as the "legitimate representative and main interlocutor with the Arab League."
Mansour's call drew a sharp retort from Miqati and several March 14 opposition officials that support the revolt against Assad.
President Michel Suleiman also stressed that any stance taken by government officials, in particular the Foreign Minister, should reflect the state's dissociation policy.
Information Minister Walid al-Daouq said after Tuesday's cabinet session that the government will convene on March 21.
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