Reports: Miqati Tries to Prevent Hariri from Boycotting Elections

Prime Minister Najib Miqati has separately met with ex-PM Fouad Saniora and al-Mustaqbal Movement Secretary-General Ahmed Hariri, al-Akhbar newspaper reported.

The daily said Wednesday it had learned that Miqati tried to convince Saniora and Hariri to dissuade ex-PM Saad Hariri from boycotting the upcoming parliamentary elections.

It claimed that the incumbent Prime Minister intends to announce his candidacy in Tripoli.

Miqati discussed with Saniora and Ahmed Hariri the status of the Sunni community in the upcoming elections, al-Akhbar added.

Miqati had reportedly said last month he is mulling over his choice but is leaning toward not running in the parliamentary elections.

Nevertheless, he affirmed that he won't boycott and expressed his fear of a low Sunni turnout.