Title: Hariri Apologizes for Forming Government in Lebanon

The designated Prime Minister Saad Hariri apologized to Lebanese President Michel Aoun for forming the government. Following a 20-minute meeting with Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, Hariri stated, "I consulted with President Aoun regarding the government formation, and it is clear that we will not reach an agreement with the President. I have apologized for forming the government." Hariri added, "I apologized for the government formation, and may God help the country." He pointed out that President Aoun demanded some amendments that he considered fundamental, and deemed that they could not come to an understanding. Hariri was tasked with forming the government last October following the resignation of Hassan Diab's government after the Beirut port explosion, but was unable over the months to find a formula for consensus on a government formation that would initiate a reform path sought by the international community to help Lebanon emerge from the worst financial and economic crisis the country is facing.