Miqati Sets Conditions for Premiership, Says Hariri Congratulated him on 'Brave' Step

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Sunday that he has conditions to accept his nomination to the premiership, revealing that former PM Saad Hariri contacted him after his resignation to congratulate him on his “bold step.”

“I have conditions to accept my nomination to premiership. We should know the nature of the next government and from whom it will consist. It should be useful and positive,” Miqati told the pan-Arab daily al-Hayat.

He noted that he will carry out his caretaker duties at the Grand Serail, denying rumors that he intends to leave the country.

“I might leave on a personal vacation during the Easter holidays but I will return to carry out my tasks,” he said.

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.

Miqati told al-Hayat that adviser of Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Hussein Khalil, informed him that the party doesn't oppose his resignation.

Asked if any officials from the March 14 alliance contacted him after his resignation, Miqati said that Hariri hailed his move in a telephone conversation.

“I congratulate you on your brave move,” Miqati quoted Hariri as saying.

An Nahar newspaper reported that Saniora held talks on Saturday night with Miqati at the Grand Serail.

The newspaper said that Saniora hailed Miqati's decision, pointing out that it “should have happened sooner.”