Karami after Meeting Miqati: Nasrallah Lamented Me, But I’ll Serve This Country Till Last Breath

Following a protocol meeting with Prime Minister-designate Najib Miqati on Wednesday, former premier Omar Karami called for forming “a mixed government comprising technocrats and politicians” should the March 14 camp refuse to take part in a new Cabinet.

Karami described the violent protests that took place Tuesday in Tripoli as “an episode of madness,” adding that it has blemished the image of the Mustaqbal Movement.

Asked about the nomination of Miqati for the premiership, Karami said: “Whoever garners the majority of votes is designated, I had not nominated myself and no one had nominated me, but at the same time, I was invited by (Hizbullah chief) Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah for talks following the government’s collapse.

“He told me that I could be the major candidate and that I’m qualified to assume this job. I responded by telling him that this post, amid these circumstances and complicated crises, requires the premier to work for 15 to 16 hours consecutively every day in order to accomplish his duties.

“In fact, I have reached an advanced age, and as one grows old he will face several (health) problems. I have listened to Sayyed Hassan’s speech in which he had lamented me. Today, I’m standing before you and I ask you as reporters: do you see me as ill? But anyway, I will serve this country till the last breath,” Karami added.