Change and Reform MPs: Miqati May Be the Best Chance We Have to Protect Stability

Change and Reform bloc MP Alain Aoun called on Wednesday for setting aside grudges between the rival political camps in order to save Lebanon.

He said during parliament session to discuss the government policy statement: “We want justice and we are keen on it.”

Addressing the March 14 camp, he declared: “Don’t worry about the truth because it will be uncovered sooner or later.”

“We also reject the mentality of violence and the arms, but how can you say that the arms are holding sway in Lebanon when you won the 2009 parliamentary elections after the events of May 7?” he asked.

“Given the current division, Prime Minister Najib Miqati may be the best chance we have to protect our stability and follow up on the changes in the region,” Aoun said.

“Perhaps this will allow the opposition to extend its hand to the majority in order to reach national unity that will spare Lebanon the evils of the region,” he stressed.

He added that he will grant the government confidence.

Change and Reform bloc MP Nabil Nicolas later took to the podium at parliament, saying that he will grant the cabinet confidence because he is certain that it will restore trust in Lebanon and it will fulfill its slogan of working for the country.

“Lebanon is standing before a new chapter in its history, which will no doubt favor the people,” he continued.

“The statements we have heard so far have contained the same spiteful remarks that are aimed at hindering the ability to construct the state and are instead reviving the memories of the civil war,” he added.

Meanwhile, MP Simon Abi Ramia, while addressing parliament, said: “I apologize to the parliamentary minority. We confess that we surprised you and we took the majority from you.”

“I apologize if Miqati accepted to be appointed by 68 MPs and as far as I know, no one pointed a gun at his head to accept his difficult mission,” he continued.

“Didn’t his appointment adhere to the constitution? We apologize for respecting it,” he stated.

“We apologize if Miqati followed the rules of the game and did not commit to his predecessor’s agreements,” the MP added.

“We apologize if the new government was formed through strictly Lebanese measures,” Abi Ramia stressed.

“I don’t want to comment on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, but how is it that Der Spiegel and Le Figaro magazines acquired the indictment while 128 MPs have not?” he asked in conclusion before granting cabinet the vote of confidence.

Later, Change and Reform bloc MP Ziad Aswad stated that the STL is being used against uncovering the truth, warning the government that the United Nations is employing the pursuit of justice for other purposes.

Furthermore, he accused the other camp of using the Internal Security Forces’ Intelligence Bureau for forgery and suspicious motives.

“The judiciary should hold those sides accountable as it is monitoring matters without taking any action,” he noted.