Hariri Says Govt. Impasse Easing, Hails STL 'Professionalism'

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri announced Wednesday that the government formation deadlock is easing, as he hailed the “professionalism” of the U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon which is trying the suspected killers of his father, ex-PM Rafik Hariri.

“A government format has been presented and President Michel Aoun has requested an amendment. I know what it is and everyone must be consulted in this regard,” Hariri told reporters ahead of the weekly meeting of al-Mustaqbal parliamentary bloc.

“Several issues are being resolved and we must pay attention to the country and the environmental and regional challenges,” the PM-designate added.

Asked about remarks by ex-parliament speaker Hussein al-Husseini about a deadline for forming governments, Hariri said: “With all due respect for him, the Constitution stipulates a 30-day deadline for the government to present its Policy Statement, whereas the PM-designate has no deadline (to form a new government).”

“The Constitution is clear,” the prime minister-designate added.