Saniora Says Cabinet Resignation in Favor of Country

Al-Mustaqbal parliamentary bloc head MP Fouad Saniora hailed on Sunday the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Miqati's cabinet, considering that the premiers move will “benefit” Lebanon.

“Although it came late, the important thing is that it happened... It will be a breakthrough for the crises linked to the government,” Saniora said in comments published in the Kuwaiti al-Seyassah newspaper.

The March 14 official described Miqati's resignation as “positive.”

Miqati announced his resignation on Friday night in light of the cabinet's failure to approve the decisions to form of an authority to oversee the parliamentary elections and extend the term of Internal Security Forces chief Ashraf Rifi.

Reactions to Miqati's step were mixed with some sides calling for the formation of a salvation government and others condemning his step at such a critical time in the region and ahead of the parliamentary elections, which are scheduled for June 9.

Saniora refused to comment if the opposition is ready to participate in a national unity government.

“We wait until the consultations over the matter end as we should agree on several issues so that we don't repeat our previous mistakes,” he pointed out.

Asked if the March 14 coalition will resume talks with the March 8 foes, Saniora said that “the resignation of the cabinet paved the way for the resumption of the all-party talks.”

Lebanon plunged in a political crisis in October after the opposition blamed the government for the assassination of Internal Security Forces Intelligence Branch chief Wissam al-Hasan.

The opposition boycotted dialogue despite President Michel Suleiman's extensive efforts to resume talks between the rival factions.

The last dialogue session was held on September 20.