The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants in the caretaker government, Abdullah Bou Habib, affirmed that he is not a candidate for the presidency, saying: "I have not and will not discuss the presidency with anyone, nor do I want to run. No one has brought this topic up with me. When it was once said that the American ambassador suggested my name for the presidency, I reproached her, but she confirmed to me that she had never mentioned my name."
In an interview on the Lebanese scene program on Al-Hurra channel, Bou Habib expressed hope for a breakthrough in the presidential file, adding: "I do not see it happening soon." He also noted, "I am accused of being American and of being with 'Hezbollah', which means I am a Lebanese person on the right path." He emphasized that they, as officials, feel weak without a president and stated: "I am against mediations but in favor of international pressures."
Regarding his role in the American-Iranian negotiations that led to the release of American hostages in Iran in exchange for $6 billion of Iranian funds in South Korea, Bou Habib confirmed the accuracy of this matter by relaying a message between the two parties. He stated that his Iranian counterpart brought up this file during routine diplomatic talks, informing him that the agreement with the Americans had stalled. Bou Habib then conveyed this message to the American ambassador in Lebanon, leading to indirect meetings in Oman with an Omani mediator. He also confirmed that "the six billion will not go to Iran but will be in Qatari banks where food and medicine can be purchased."
Regarding his visit to Iran, he confirmed that "his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, invited him to visit Tehran," noting that "all previous foreign ministers have not visited Iran, but this visit requires a ministerial decision and government approval." He stated that he will propose the visit to the Cabinet and added that it would be a protocol visit. When asked if he was convinced about visiting Iran, Bou Habib replied: "Why not?"
As for heading a ministerial delegation to Syria, Bou Habib stated: "I do not want to head a committee; this task is not for the Foreign Ministry. I am in constant contact with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad, questioning why I should head a delegation when I cannot do anything." He added: "I told Mikdad I am ready to visit Syria with a delegation from the Foreign Ministry."
Bou Habib viewed that Syria is safe and the refugees in Lebanon are not political refugees but rather economic refugees fleeing the living crisis.
On the issue of delineating land borders with Israel, Bou Habib confirmed to the Lebanese scene program that the American mediator Amos Hochstein did not present any proposal on this topic, but the Lebanese side is the one that raised this issue at the United Nations, emphasizing the necessity of confirming the borders that were delineated in 1923 with Israel. Regarding "Hezbollah's" stance on land delineation, Bou Habib stated: "Hezbollah does not refuse to define the land borders; they say it is not my responsibility, it is the duty of the Lebanese state. We will not attack you, nor will we congratulate you."
The Lebanese Foreign Minister further stated that instead of feeling happy about the delineation, Israel claims it is not ready due to its ambitions for expansion. Bou Habib commented on this matter: "Sometimes we are pushed toward either an internal war or a regional war; neither do they want a regional war, nor do we want an internal war."
Regarding government affairs, he affirmed that he constantly consults and meets with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and although Mikati wishes for his presence at government sessions, he never holds him accountable for his absence.
On another note, the Lebanese Foreign Minister stressed that there are no Lebanese casualties in the Morocco earthquake, and the Lebanese community will donate blood in coordination with the Moroccan Red Crescent.
