Aoun Says Cabinet Boycott 'Unacceptable', Miqati Warns against 'Worsening Rift'

President Michel Aoun on Wednesday said the boycott of Cabinet sessions by Hizbullah and the Amal Movement is “unacceptable,” noting that any objections should be addressed through institutions.

“Cabinet must convene and I’m not obliged to alone sign any resolution,” Aoun said at a Higher Defense Council meeting.

“No signature can replace Cabinet amid the presence of a government enjoying full constitutional powers,” the President added.

Prime Minister Najib Miqati for his part said that, “like the president,” he is “keen on Cabinet’s meetings,” but warned that “those in charge of this country are obliged to work on reconciling viewpoints instead of worsening the rift.”

“There is fear that calling for a Cabinet session would lead to a rift which we must cooperate to avoid,” he added.

“We’re all negatively affected by its failure to convene and we hope to be soon able to call for a meeting aimed at addressing the urgent issues,” Miqati went on to say.