Shiite spiritual leader doesn't want Mansouri to assume Salameh's duties

Higher Islamic Shiite Council deputy head Sheikh Ali al-Khatib on Friday said he rejects that the “Shiite vice governor” of the Central Bank assume Riad Salameh’s duties after the latter’s departure on July 31.

“They want to hold us responsible for the economic and financial collapse and they forget their responsibilities and role in the collapse,” Khatib said.

“They want to blame the Shiite sect and the arms (of Hezbollah) for the collapse, that’s why I reject that the Shiite vice governor assume responsibility, because they would hold the Shiites responsible for the continuation of the collapse,” Khatib added.

First Vice Governor Wassim Mansouri is one of four vice governors of the Central Bank. He is scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday amid media reports that he intends to resign.