Miqati Signs Elections Decree, Says Won't 'Bargain' on Cabinet Sessions

Prime Minister Najib Miqati said Tuesday that he has signed a decree calling for parliamentary elections to be held in May and has referred it to President Michel Aoun.

"I believe that the President will sign it too," Miqati added, at a press conference.

The Prime Minister said that the elections can rectify the political path, stressing that "we shouldn't waste this opportunity."

"We are responsible for holding the elections on time," he stated.

On another note, Miqati refused to endorse "any settlement at the expense of institutions." He said he won't "bargain Cabinet meetings' resumption for any settlement that is unacceptable for the Lebanese, the families of the port victims and the world."

"I'm the one seeking the resumption of Cabinet sessions the most," Miqati said, adding that he wouldn't hesitate to resign, if his resignation is the solution.

The only solution, according to the Prime Minister, is "to hold on to an independent judiciary and to international legitimacy," instead of sectarianism.

Concerning the Lebanon-Gulf crisis, Miqati said that Lebanon should strengthen its relations with the Gulf and "we should not interfere in matters that do not concern us."