Naharnet

Miqati: I Will Take Suitable Constitutional Decision if Policy Statement Not Finalized on Time

Premier Najib Miqati vowed on Wednesday to take the appropriate constitutional decision if a 12-member committee failed to draft the cabinet’s policy statement by the end of the constitutional period.

The prime minister stressed that contacts are ongoing between him and Speaker Nabih Berri, Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat, and Hizbullah in order to reach an agreement over the policy statement clause on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and the government’s commitment to international agreements.

Miqati’s remarks came after a question about Berri’s warning that the cabinet would collapse if it fails to draft the statement by July 13.

Commenting on the issue, the premier said: “If we weren’t able to draft the policy statement by the end of the constitutional period, then I would take a decision that respects the constitution.”

According to the constitution, the cabinet has 30 days after its formation to present a policy statement to parliament.

The committee has held six meetings to try to finalize the statement but is facing the obstacle of the STL clause.

Miqati also denied holding talks with Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, reiterating that the government does not belong to Hizbullah and Syria.

The opposition had accused the new cabinet of belonging to the party and its close ally, Syria.

On claims that the indictment in the STL will be released soon, he responded that these reports are simply media leaks.


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