Mikati: Presidential elections may be delayed, but will take place

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized on Friday the importance of the Parliament selecting whoever it deems appropriate to form the new government, adding that the government formation must be free of any conditions or complications imposed on the designated prime minister by any party."

 

"The presidential elections may be delayed, but they will take place," he added.

 

"Because of the new parliament's composition, it has become more difficult for any party to disrupt elections, and thus the possibility of holding elections has become more likely than it was months ago," Mikati added.

 

On another note, Mikati emphasized the "size and gravity of the economic crisis," but added that "Lebanon will overcome this difficult stage by implementing the agreement with the International Monetary Fund and implementing basic reforms that will put Lebanon on the path of recovery."

 

In terms of maritime border demarcation, Mikati emphasized "the eagerness to resolve the dispute through the American mediator Amos Hochstein," noting that "all concerned parties emphasize the priority of maintaining the stability of the situation in Lebanon."

 

Concerning the possibility of renaming him as Prime Minister, Mikati stated that he is not seeking to be renamed as Prime Minister, and expressed hope that the government formation process would be expedited.