Hariri: I am the father of Sunnites in Lebanon and I know what serves best their interest

Prime Minister – designate Saad Hariri said on Tuesday that all Lebanese people know that "his political speech has always been full of optimism despite circumstances and threats."

"I have always said that the Lebanese people deserve a new chance,” Hariri said during a press conference in Bayt al-Wasat  six months after a parliamentary election that triggered complex negotiations to form a new government.

“Some sides do not want constitutional institutions and a government to be formed,” he stressed.

Hariri also noted that there is a decision from Hezbollah’s commands to hinder the Cabinet’s formation.

 

“I was clear since the beginning and told Hezbollah that I completely refuse to have one of March 8's Sunnite MPs as a minister,” he added.

 

“Addressing your partners in the country in that way is unacceptable,” Hariri addressed Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah regarding his last speech.

 

He also said that a Cabinet lineup is ready, calling for all parties to shoulder their responsibilities “so that the country moves forward.”

"The consequences that the country will bear are Hezbollah's responsibility" if a new government cannot be formed, he added.
 
Lebanon has the world's third largest public debt as a proportion of the economy and stagnant growth. It is in dire need of a government able to make economic reforms.
 
Rival parties have jostled over how many cabinet positions each faction should get in the new national unity government, and over the most important jobs.
 
The cabinet is supposed to reflect both the representation of Lebanon's main parties and its major religious sects.
 
Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah insisted on Saturday that one of its Sunni allies be given a portfolio in the new cabinet. He indicated Hezbollah would be ready to go back to square one in negotiating a government if necessary.