The file for the formation of the new government witnessed notable movement yesterday with a visit by the designated Prime Minister Najib Mikati to President Michel Aoun. Mikati attempted to convey some optimism regarding the negotiations for government formation as he left the presidential palace, asserting that his upcoming meeting with President Aoun would conclude with results. He smilingly told reporters upon his departure, "This time the session lasted half an hour... during the next visit, I will stay here until the government is formed, even if it requires me to sleep here..."
Sources from the "Free Patriotic Movement" told "Asharq Al-Awsat" that Aoun is awaiting Mikati's actions upon his return from abroad to clarify the seriousness of his proposal, questioning what prompted him to take action now after months of a debilitating stalemate that has resulted in significant economic, financial, and political losses for the country, due to the absence of an effective government to manage the crisis and chart paths for solutions. The sources pointed out that Mikati may have sensed the urgency of the situation, as Aoun will leave the Baabda Palace at the end of his term; however, in the absence of a fully constitutional government, "we won't let him rule."
The presidential elections were not absent from the session, with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stating that he will determine a date for the session at the appropriate time. In response to MP Paula Yacoubian, who called for the setting of a date, he said, "This is my jurisdiction, and I assess when there is some consensus, I will call for a session." He saw "the adventure as entering the council without consensus," emphasizing that "caution is required in this matter."
In a statement, the presidency indicated that President Michel Aoun received Mikati, during which the topic of government formation and the ongoing developments in this regard were discussed, as well as the communications being made to expedite the formation process. The discussion also touched on the latest information concerning the southern maritime border demarcation file and the mission of the American mediator Amos Hochstein, along with the upcoming meetings of the United Nations General Assembly and the speech Lebanon will deliver, presented by Mikati as head of the Lebanese delegation.
Informed sources about the meeting told "Asharq Al-Awsat" that several topics were covered, including Mikati's trip to London to participate in the funeral of Queen Elizabeth, the outlines of the speech Lebanon will deliver at the UN General Assembly, and the issue of government formation. They clarified, "It became clear that there is still a desire to form the government, and the discussion will continue regarding the previously proposed formulas, either keeping the government as is with some modifications or adding six state ministers," noting that this will become clearer by the end of next week or the beginning of the following week, after Mikati returns from his trip.
