The media office of caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati commented on what Minister of Justice Henry Khoury stated in his press conference regarding his absence from the scheduled session tomorrow, stating that "Mikati announces the postponement of the session to a later time, inviting the minister to reconsider his position, as media proposals are not a substitute for the final word in the Council of Ministers."
The statement continued, "Mikati believes that no one is more concerned than him for Lebanon's supreme interests and the preservation of Lebanon's rights, especially in the case raised before French courts, and any posturing in this regard will not help cover up procedural violations in addressing this file and necessitating a final opinion in the Council of Ministers."
The office noted, "In this context, it is essential to remind the minister of what is stipulated in Decree No. 2252 issued on 1-8-1992 concerning the organization of Cabinet work, especially Article 9 of the internal regulations concerning the authority of the Prime Minister to summon those whose testimony is required in the session."
It emphasized that "What caught the Prime Minister's attention in the minister's press conference was his statement that the issue raised requires discussion in the Council of Ministers; thus, it would have been appropriate for him to attend the session that Mikati scheduled for tomorrow to discuss the file and present his perspective and the details he possesses."
In this context, the office added: "Mikati confirmed that the minister's position in obstructing the work of constitutional institutions would personally hold him responsible for any damage that may affect the supreme interests of the state, and the time is still available to make the appropriate decision away from unproductive disputes."
**Minister of Justice: Let the Obstructers Bear the Consequences of Their Actions**
In response, Minister of Justice Khoury indicated, contrary to what was stated in the statement issued by the Prime Minister’s office, that "he is keen to announce the real reason for postponing the session that was scheduled for tomorrow after receiving a call from the Prime Minister informing him that he decided to postpone the session to study the CVs of the international lawyers, Emmanuel Daoud and Pascal Bouvié, which the minister sent today to the Prime Minister’s office."
He added in a statement: "After the statement issued by the Prime Minister’s office during the press conference, the Minister of Justice confirms that all that was narrated in the conference is documented with papers and the CVs of lawyers Daoud and Bouvié."
Khoury clarified that "concerning Article Nine of the internal regulations of the Prime Minister's office, which allows the Prime Minister to invite whomever he wishes, this is in accordance with the constitution and Article 64, paragraph 8, in the presence of the Minister of Justice, and the decree cannot contradict the constitution."
He affirmed that "his open battle with the Head of the Litigation Authority for about a year aims to protect the rights of the state and citizens and he categorically rejects any media posturing in this matter," expressing surprise at the remarks made by "Mikati regarding constitutional, legal, and ethical responsibilities."
Khoury insisted that "if there is any constitutional, legal, or ethical responsibility, it lies with those who obstruct the appointment of the French lawyers," reaffirming his commitment to "his stance that he will not accept the lack of representation of the Lebanese state in trials outside Lebanon and let those who plan to cancel it bear the consequences of their actions."
