Hariri Slams Gharib's Statement, Says 'Press Conferences' Can't Fight Corruption

Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Tuesday blasted a statement issued by State Minister for Refugee Affairs Saleh al-Gharib over the Brussels conference, as he noted that those “protecting corruption” are the ones holding “press conferences.”

“We are encouraging Saudis to return to Lebanon,” Hariri said after meeting President Michel Aoun following a visit to Saudi Arabia.

“As for Brussels, we're heading there because we have a refugee crisis. We want the refugees to return as soon as possible... and there will be an essential chance to talk to the relevant parties,” Hariri added.

As for the controversy over excluding Gharib from the delegation that will represent Lebanon in Brussels, Hariri said: “The prime minister will represent Lebanon and speak in Lebanon's name.”

“Some controversy has happened but this doesn't mean that I want or don't want the minister to go,” the premier added.

He however noted that he “does not accept the statement that has been issued” by Gharib.

“It is prohibited to have political disputes over this issue,” Hariri added referring to the refugee file.

Gharib had on Sunday issued a stern statement, lamenting that “some political parties are acting against the desired patriotic approach and there is insistence on returning to the policies of the previous government on the refugee file.”

“All norms have been breached in the issue of the Brussels conference invitations,” the minister said.

“Overlooking the role of the State Ministry for Refugee Affairs regarding the Brussels conference is not disregard for me as a person but rather for the alternative way of thinking and serious approach that we have adopted in addressing this file in order to secure the return” of the refugees to their country, Gharib added.

“We will not tolerate this at all,” the minister warned.

As for the corruption file, Hariri said Tuesday that he shares “the same stance” with Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri regarding “the fight against corruption.”

“No one will be covered whoever they may be, even if some individuals may be close to some parties,” Hariri said.

He added: “There is no politicization and we don't want anyone to politicize this file. Those who accept bribes do not belong to a certain sect.”

Asked about the OGERO employment file, Hariri said Parliament “will look into the alleged wrongdoing.”

As for the controversy over the issue of the “missing” $11 billion, the premier said “the final accounts have been accomplished and those talking have realized that the previous claims were politicized.”

“It is no longer a political challenge between the parties. All political parties are seeking to resolve these issues without politicization,” Hariri reassured.

“The press conferences are behind us and today there is calm... Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal Movement will not confront each other but rather want to put an end to corruption,” he said

“Any press conference discussing corruption would be protecting corruption,” he noted, pointing out that “those who want to fight corruption should work silently.”