Lebanon’s Mikati begins consultations to form new gov’t

By Stephanie Rady

BEIRUT (AA) – Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati on Tuesday began parliamentary consultations to form a new government.

According to an Anadolu Agency correspondent, Mikati met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at the assembly’s headquarters in Beirut.

No statement was issued regarding the meeting.

Mikati also met with Saad Hariri, the head of the Future Movement.

On Monday, Lebanese President Michel Aoun assigned Mikati with forming a new government in the crisis-hit country.

Commenting on his assignment, Mikati told a news conference that he “will form the government in accordance with the French initiative to serve the interests of Lebanon and its economy.”

Mikati is a member of parliament representing the northern city of Tripoli, and he previously headed the government in Lebanon twice in 2005 and 2011.

Earlier this month, Hariri had stepped down after failing to reach an agreement with Aoun on forming a new government.

Lebanon has been unable to come up with a new administration since the resignation of Hassan Diab's cabinet on Aug. 10, 2020, six days after the massive blast that hit Port of Beirut.

The Arab country is facing a severe economic crisis, with the local currency losing nearly all its value against the US dollar. Streets across the country are witnessing massive protests and rallies.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat