Abdel Rahim Mrad to LBCI: Foreign pressure led to Mikati’s resignation

Former Minister, MP Abdel Rahim Mrad stressed on Tuesday that he does not agree with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea who said that forming the cabinet is fundamental, noting that when a new electoral law is reached, the cabinet will then be easily formed. Mrad added that Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Boutros Rai has a major positive role in leading Christian leaders to agree on an electoral law.            

MP Mrad told Nharkom Said that the deputies are waiting for President Michel Sleiman to return from Doha and for a second call from Cardinal Rai to reach an electoral political solution, pointing out that the draft law based on proportional representation is the “best proposal for the elections, but it was not defended enough.”            

On the other hand, Mrad explained that the outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati “made a mistake by resigning,” especially because he adopted the extension of ISF Chief Ashraf Rifi’s term to justify his move.                

In this context, the MP stressed that foreign pressure, mainly from the US, was exerted on Mikati, leading him to declare his resignation.