Mikati Determines the Fate of the Government

On the eve of the Parliament's plenary session, efforts and contacts are ongoing to resolve the crisis that led to the suspension of the Cabinet session. A consensual solution hasn't been reached thus far, but there are several exits that are being discussed and studied.

In this context, Prime Minister Najib Mikati said in a statement to Al-Modon newspaper, "The security situation is stable and there is no fear; but politically, I will not call for a Cabinet session, before finding a solution to the problem. I do not want to provoke any party."

When asked about the judicial dilemma, Mikati said: "I will not interfere with the work of the judiciary, and I cannot violate my obligations. I told everyone that I will not interfere in the work of the judiciary, nor in the work of the judicial investigator Tarek Bitar. The judiciary must reform itself. There is a law and a Constitution. It is not possible to surpass them, and the judiciary alone is capable of solving its problem."

Can the Supreme Judicial Council ask Bitar to step down? Mikati answered this question by saying that the Council cannot ask Bitar to step down, and it has no right to do so. He explained that the issue needs time in order to reach a solution. Regarding the meeting that took place between Mikati, the Minister of Justice and the head of the Supreme Judicial Council, the Prime Minister said: "They briefed me on the investigation into Thursday's events, and I informed them of my position, which is that I will not interfere with Bitar's work."

As for the Tayouneh clashes, Mikati comments: "We must address what happened. The solution is political. As long as I am present, I will not allow any party to be oppressed. Lebanon is a country of balances, and everyone must resort to them."

Regarding the resignation, Mikati says: "It is not on the table. It is not possible to leave the country in these circumstances, nor to cause vacuum in all authorities. We have clear basic tasks: Developing an economic reform plan, and holding the parliamentary elections on time, and I am committed to these two."