Mustaqbal Nominates Hariri for PM Post, Eyes 'Cooperation' with Aoun

Al-Mustaqbal parliamentary bloc on Tuesday formally nominated al-Mustaqbal Movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri for the premier post, saying it is looking forward to “cooperation” between Hariri and newly-elected President Michel Aoun.

“The bloc lauds the positive content of the oath of office, especially in terms of underlining commitment to the constitution and the laws and adherence to the implementation of the Document of National Accord without selectivity,” said the bloc in a statement issued after its weekly meeting.

Mustaqbal also lauded Aoun for stressing “the need to enhance national unity and favor a unifying national rhetoric over a sectarian one while committing to dissociating Lebanon from the region's conflicts and highlighting the importance of the Lebanese army's role in defending Lebanon.”

Turning to the issue of the next government, the bloc formally nominated Hariri for the premiership and said it will stand by him in “his mission as the leader of the next government.”

“The bloc looks forwards to positive results from cooperation between President Michel Aoun and ex-PM Saad Hariri, in line with the constitution's stipulations and the Taef Accord,” it added.

Aoun was elected president on Monday after around two and a half years of presidential void. His presidential chances were largely boosted by a key endorsement from Hariri in mid-October.

Aoun's nomination also received crucial support from Hizbullah and the Lebanese Forces.

Binding parliamentary consultations for picking the new premier will be held on Wednesday and Thursday.