During an interview with Reuters on Thursday Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati said that he will attempt to achieve consensus in Lebanon on how to deal with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL).
We will hold dialogue to see what to do about the STL, he said, adding that “the decision is not mine alone. Any decision in Lebanon must be based on consensus.”
Mikati also said that he wants to maintain good relations with the international community and all Arab countries.
“ Good relations are very important for our policy. Lebanon cannot confront any country.” He said.
In another interview Miqati said to Al-Arabiya: “I told the Future Movement bloc that its demands contradict those sought by Hezbollah and that I intend to find a solution.”
Commenting on relations with Syria he said : ” I expect a lot from Syria and I’m counting on my friendship with President Assad and Arab states to achieve the welfare of this country.”
Commenting on Lebanon’s financial situation and the international concern over the recent development he said :” The next finance minister must be acceptable by international institutions and aided by a successful team.”
The Future Movement MPs asked Mikati to clarify his stance on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) and the illegal weapons ( Weapons outside the control of the Lebanese army) , MP Fouad Siniora said on Thursday after the bloc met with Mikati for consultations on cabinet formation.
Mikati, backed by Hezbollah and its March 8 allies , was appointed Tuesday by president Michel Suleiman as PM-designate to form ano defeatd head the next cabinet , giving Hezbollah and its allies increased leverage in the country and provoking widespread protests.
Hezbollah brought down Hariri’s government on January 12 over the Special Tribunal for Lebanon’s ( STL) indictment which is widely expected to implicate Hezbollah members in the assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri in 2005 .
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