The President-designate continues his activity… a tour of former heads of government ahead of tomorrow’s consultations
After landing in the morning at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam toured the former heads of government today, surveying the atmosphere ahead of the non-binding parliamentary consultations scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, which Salam will conduct with the blocs and representatives in Nejmeh Square.
The General Secretariat of the House of Representatives has circulated a program of non-binding parliamentary consultations that will be conducted by the President-designate in the House of Representatives on January 15 and 16.
To view the program click here.
Visits by former heads of government
This afternoon, the Prime Minister-designate went to the residence of caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who said: “We agreed on subsequent meetings to discuss all matters, and I hope that he will be able to form a government as soon as possible.”
Mikati added: “I applaud the democratic method that occurred in parliamentary consultations and the method of assignment.”
He continued: “I have no blame for anyone who did not nominate me for prime minister.”
For his part, Salam said: “The session was short today, and it was an occasion to thank Mikati for what he did for the ceasefire and the efforts he put in the previous stage, and we will have future meetings with him.”
From the residence of Mikati, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam headed to the residence of former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, who saw that Lebanon faces a large number of challenges and problems and that they can only be overcome through national unity and solidarity among the Lebanese.
Siniora pointed out that “the Lebanese are rejoicing in the beginning of breaking the cycle of obstruction that lasted about 27 months,” and said: “Everyone wins when he is within the framework of the state, and this stage is difficult, and with your determination and the determination of the President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, we can get out of the great impasse.”
He added: “Assigning Nawaf Salam to form the government is a step towards restructuring constitutional institutions. No one is defeated or broken. Everyone is defeated outside the framework of the state, and everyone is victorious within the framework of the state.”
He also stressed, “We are in a difficult period that requires a clear vision, a firm will, courage in making decisions, and the ability to lead, and Lebanon is able to return to the pearl of the East.”
In turn, the Prime Minister-designate said after his meeting with Siniora: “I came to benefit from his long experience, and I acknowledge his optimism and share it.”
From the residence of former President Tammam Salam, the Prime Minister-designate announced that “the tour of former prime ministers was an opportunity to benefit from their experience.”
He added: “I will listen to the representatives concerned with giving confidence to the government tomorrow, Wednesday, and when I have a vision, I will share it with the media for public opinion. We are in a new era and we want it to start quickly.”
As for former President Tammam Salam, he confirmed that Lebanon is under a new page that has begun with the election of a President of the Republic and the appointment of Nawaf Salam to form the government.
He pointed out that the Lebanese people are optimistic, and wished Nawaf Salam all the best, and said: “We put all our capabilities at their disposal, and I call on everyone to cooperate with them in forming the government, and this is not the time to set harsh conditions.”
