Hariri Urges Parties to 'Show Modesty' instead of Blaming Him for Govt. Delay

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri on Tuesday called on the political parties to “show modesty” in their demands regarding the new government as he stressed that he is not behind the ongoing delay.

“They are blaming me for the delay whereas each party is clinging to its stances and demands,” Hariri told reporters ahead of a meeting for the al-Mustaqbal parliamentary bloc.

“Everyone must show modesty and sacrifice for the sake of the country,” Hariri added.

Asked about President Michel Aoun's remarks that there is a “campaign” against Free Patriotic Movement chief MP Jebran Bassil because he is “in the lead of the presidential race,” Hariri said: “President Aoun is the president today and it is premature to talk about the presidential race.”

And denying that there is an attempt to “besiege the new presidential tenure,” the PM-designate pointed out that “world powers are pressing for a speedy government formation in order to begin the rescue program of the CEDRE conference.”

As for the impact of the U.S. sanctions against Iran on the formation process, Hariri said: “We are in communication with Hizbullah and, like all parties, it wants the government to be formed.”

Hariri was tasked with forming a new government on May 24. His mission is being hampered by political wrangling over shares, especially over Christian and Druze representation.