Aoun Says Will Leave Next Year unless Parliament Wants Him to Stay
President Michel Aoun has said that he will leave the Baabda Palace when his presidential term ends in 2022, while noting that he would “stay” if parliament decides that he should stay.
“The parliamentary elections will be held and we’re taking all measures to hold the polls,” Aoun, who is visiting Qatar, said in an interview with the Doha-based Al-Jazeera television.
Separately, the President said that he does not agree with Hizbullah over the calls for sacking Beirut port blast investigator Judge Tarek Bitar, while noting that “Hizbullah is committed to (U.N. Security Council) Resolution 1701 and has not committed any disruption since 2017.”
As for Lebanon’s row with the Gulf countries, Aoun said he discussed the matter in his talks Monday with Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad.
“We want the most cordial and best relations with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries,” the President stressed.
He added: “I have not asked anyone to resign and (Information Minister George) Kordahi will act on the basis of what is best for Lebanon.”
Source: Naharnet
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/286074 |