Finance Minister Denies Rift with Miqati

Finance Minister Mohammed al-Safadi denied on Monday that the ties between him and Prime Minister Najib Miqati had deteriorated after reported sharp difference in points of view between the two emerged to the surface on the leasing of the power-generating ships.

Other than our different points of view over the electricity plan “we have no dispute, and I hope our cooperation and partnership continues as long as we’re alive,” al-Safadi said in comments published in As Safir newspaper.

The minister, who is loyal to Miqati, ruled out the media reports saying that he is seeking for a candidacy to the premiership.

“We have a premier called Najib Miqati, and I am his ally in the government. How can I announce my candidacy against him?” al-Safadi wondered.

Last week, the pan-Arab daily al-Hayat reported that al-Safadi is eyeing his candidacy to the premiership in case the cabinet collapses.

He had joined Change and Reform bloc Minister Jebran Bassil in opposing the premier’s approach to the electricity crisis.

Al-Safadi voiced his support to the cabinet, saying: “I hope this government remains until the parliamentary elections in 2013.”

He warned against those who are trying to create a rift between him and Miqati.

“I believe that the premier realizes” the campaign targeting our ties, the minister added.