Miqati Announces Resignation, Urges Salvation Govt. to 'Pull Lebanon Out of the Unknown'
Prime Minister Najib Miqati on Friday announced his resignation after a cabinet session in which he failed to pass the extension of Internal Security Forces chief Ashraf Rifi's term and the formation of the committee to oversee the elections, stressing that all political forces must shoulder their responsibilities to “pull Lebanon out of the unknown.”
“I'm addressing you today as a brother, hoping my speech will lead to a better security and economic situation in Lebanon,” Miqati said in a televised address to the nation.
“I'm addressing you while my city (Tripoli) is bleeding and bidding farewell to martyrs, the city that I always want to see at the forefront of all cities,” Miqati added.
“From the very first moment I began my political career, I've been trying to seek solutions and I never hesitated in exerting efforts to protect the country,” said Miqati.
The premier stressed that he exerted all efforts possible “for the sake of a free country.”
“Today, while we were discussing the issue of holding the elections, I realized that renewal and pumping blood into the veins of the political life are a national duty,” he said.
Miqati also voiced support for approving a new electoral law and holding elections on time.
Counting reasons behind his resignation, Miqati said “it seems that no new law will be approved within the constitutional timeframe and the formation of the committee to oversee the elections was impeded.”
“I found out that it is necessary for Maj. Gen. Rifi to carry on with his duties in order to protect the (ISF) institution,” he added.
Miqati said he found himself obligated to “take a stance of conscience in order to allow dialogue to take place.”
He underlined that dialogue is the “only way to rescue Lebanon,” calling for the formation of a salvation government.
“I tried as much as possible to distance Lebanon from the fierce storms and to preserve the balance,” Miqati noted.
“I kept the channels of communication open and overcame the smear campaigns because the country is the most precious thing,” said Miqati.
He revealed that he had thought about resigning twice. “The first was over the financing of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and the second upon the martyrdom of Maj. Gen. Wissam al-Hasan,” he added.
“I have hope in my mind and heart because through our solidarity, we can push our country away from the edge of strife,” said Miqati.
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