The media office of Prime Minister Najib Miqati confirmed in a statement that since the Cabinet's decision to appoint Major General Hassan Aouda as Chief of Staff was announced, several politicians and journalists have launched a campaign against the decision, accusing the Prime Minister and the government of usurping the President's powers and staging a coup against the Taif Agreement. Additionally, some have conjured up fictitious scenarios of purported communications between the Prime Minister and the President of the State Consultative Council, Judge Fadi Elias.
The statement added the following for clarity: First: The Prime Minister did not consult Judge Elias on the matter of the appointment, nor was there any communication between them regarding this issue or otherwise; thus, all that is said to the contrary is merely known analyses and fabrications. Second: The Prime Minister was clear in his approach to this issue when he presented it to the Cabinet, explaining the justifications for the decision and its necessity to ensure the stability of the Army's institution, after the Minister of Defense failed to fulfill his duty regarding this matter. It was essential for the Cabinet, given its collective authority, to make this decision. If some are unhappy with the decision, there are various legal avenues to challenge it, and the government will comply with any judicial decision that may be issued in this regard should any appeal be submitted. This has been stated by the Prime Minister in the appointment session, reaffirming his commitment to the Taif Agreement and the powers and spirit it embodies, which he emphasizes adhering to.
The disparaging media campaigns launched against the Prime Minister and the government on this issue lack credibility and basis, aiming instead at media displays, proving that some seek an independent status or appoint themselves as guardians over the actions of ministers, ministries, and the rights of their respective sects.
In conclusion: Regardless of the media tricks and vague expressions some use or the commissioning of articles with known biases and funding, the stark truth is that the government is managing the affairs of the state and its citizens, while others refrain from fulfilling their duty of electing a new president to restore the complete functioning of constitutional institutions. Elect a president for the sake of Lebanon's peace.
Vice President of the Parliament Elias Bou Saab stated in a televised interview that he has discovered "that the caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati claimed he had consulted the President of the State Consultative Council, Judge Fadi Elias, and received a positive legal opinion regarding the recent constitutional violation he committed by appointing a Chief of Staff without the Minister of Defense's approval, after disseminating this opinion among his colleagues in the Cabinet in this constitutional crime against the Taif Constitution. It has become clear that his claim and words are baseless, as Judge Fadi Elias did not provide any prior opinion on this matter."
Bou Saab added, "This scandal confirms that the Prime Minister's tricks on this issue have been unveiled, being a preemptive attempt by him to influence the judicial process." He continued, "The least that can be said about what the caretaker Prime Minister attempted to do is that it constitutes a fraudulent act punishable by law, while the grave and serious violation lies in his contentment with the Cabinet's decision and his refusal to issue a decree." Bou Saab concluded, "In light of all these facts, we call on Major General Hassan Aouda not to assume the position of Chief of Staff to avoid legal and penal violations."
