Miqati’s Circles: Excessive Optimism Aimed at Pressuring PM-Designate

Prime Minister-designate Najib Miqati’s circles questioned the excessive optimism surrounding the possible announcement of a new government, saying that they are “out of place.”

They added however that the circumstances are positive, “but more time is needed for consultations over a number of issues.”

They said that the optimism was an attempt to pressure and hamper Miqati’s efforts to form the Cabinet through demonstrating that he is behind the delay.

“The truth is that the premier-designate is open to all opinions and efforts and all tangible steps are expected of them, not him,” they clarified.

In addition, his sources told al-Liwaa newspaper in remarks published on Saturday that Miqati is being pressured in order to force him to make concessions over certain matters that are still under discussion.

They noted however that the circumstances surrounding the government formation are much more positive than those that surrounded the process last year under Premier Saad Hariri, adding that the fact the Free Patriotic Movement and Hizbullah handed him the names of their ministers is a “very positive” sign that the Cabinet will be formed soon.

They stressed: “The announcement may take place in a matter of days if the current contacts reach their desired goals, especially since intense meetings to overcome differences have been taking place away from the media spotlight.”